Sainz makes 'selfish' vow as F1 rivals wait for crucial decision

Carlos Sainz has vowed to adopt a selfish streak regarding his F1 future despite several of his rivals waiting for a decision that will shape the driver market.

The Ferrari driver has emerged as the key domino that needs to fall as his call will impact the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, Zhou Guanyu, Logan Sargeant, and, to a lesser extent, Daniel Ricciardo.

The Spanish driver is known to have offers from Stake/Audi, Williams, and Alpine, whilst Mercedes is back on the table after a recent period when it appeared as if a move to the German giant was no longer viable.

Arguably, Sainz cannot be ruled out of joining Red Bull given the new-found uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez's future following an abysmal run of form.

Asked by RacingNews365 if he was conscious of the impact his delay was having on other drivers, speaking to media ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, Sainz replied: "Yeah, I am conscious of it, but at the same time I don't think it's going to change [anything].

"I don't think I'm changing the outcome of anyone probably, and probably all the teams have their priorities and decisions by now dependent on each scenario.

"At the same time, this sport and this world has taught me to be a bit more on the selfish side and look out for myself.

"I need to take the decision I need whenever I need to take it, and whenever I have all the options on the table, and be ready to take that decision and not rush things if I don't need to."

Sainz distracted by Spanish success

Sainz stated after the last race at Silverstone that the longer break after the triple-header run of the Spanish, Austrian and British Grands Prix would afford him the time required to reflect on his options.

That, however, has not been the case as he has conceded to a major distraction over the past few days which pulled him away from taking stock on arguably the most important decision of his career, notably Spain's Euro '24 triumph.

"For sure, every week or day that goes by I'm closer to taking a decision," he said. "But I've been busy watching the Euros, so I haven't taken a decision."