Sainz issues Ferrari F1 return declaration

Carlos Sainz has asserted his door will always remain open to Ferrari despite his departure at the end of the current season.

Sainz learned prior to the start of the campaign that he would be leaving the team for 2025, with Lewis Hamilton coming on board as his replacement.

The Spaniard spent several months mulling over his options and was linked to various projects for next year.

Sainz opted to join Williams and will partner Alex Albon having signed a multi-year deal with the Grove-based squad.

While acknowledging his eagerness to take on the challenge at Williams, Sainz asserted his association with Ferrari is not at a definitive close.

“My door will always be open to Ferrari in the future,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365. 

“But for the short to medium-term future, my commitment to Williams and to that project is not going to change at all.

“Never say never, in the future, but for sure, for the short to medium-term future, I'm 100% committed to the decision I took in the middle of this year, and I actually look forward to that challenge.”

Sainz admits to 'challenging' final Ferrari season

Sainz learning of his Ferrari exit so early in the year marked an unusual circumstance for a driver heading to the exit door.

The Spaniard admitted having such a long period before his exit has added to the challenge of navigating the season.

“Giving my absolute best to Ferrari [during] my last year with them is something that I was always going to do,” Sainz said.

“It’s difficult to do 24 races knowing you’re leaving at the end of the year, especially knowing that I'm a guy who likes to focus more on the medium to long-term projects.

“I always try and support and try to help in the direction of development in the team in the medium to long-term.

“To not have anything to look forward to and to focus in the very short term with the team is difficult.

“I found it challenging for myself this year and I went through some ups and downs. That doesn't change the fact that I was always going to try and keep my best for the team.”