Carlos Sainz continues to be coy over his remaining F1 seat options for 2025 after speculation that Mercedes had taken itself out of the equation.
The 29-year-old is the hottest prospect left on the F1 driver market, but has refused to confirm that his choices for next season is now between just Red Bull and Audi.
The outgoing Ferrari driver is thought to have been offered a 'one-plus-one' deal by Mercedes. However, recent rumours suggest the Brackley-based team is no-longer a viable option for the Spaniard.
The Audi project at the current Stake team has long been the most likely landing spot for Sainz, but it is understood Red Bull is the preference.
It is unclear whether the constructors' champions will re-commit to current driver Sergio Perez to partner Max Verstappen next season. However, despite these reports, Sainz is remaining tight-lipped on his options.
"I cannot confirm it. Sorry," he responded to media when RacingNews365 asked if he could confirm Mercedes was off the table and that it was down to just Audi and Red Bull.
Viewed by others:
'Everything will happen very quickly'
The belief within the F1 paddock is that Sainz is essentially the prime mover of the driver market, and that until he decides his next steps, 'silly season' will slow in pace. Despite this, Sainz rejects the assertion that other drivers are waiting on him.
"Everyone depends on everyone. Formula 1 is a circle," he said. "I haven't made my mind up yet, and I don't know where I'm gonna be racing next year. [I] haven't set any deadlines.
The Ferrari driver also does not feel under pressure from potential suitors to make his decision quickly, despite the risk that some teams might begin to grown restless at waiting for him, saying things will move fast once he has decided.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna let slip anything," he replied when asked if he was worried about letting options slip through his fingers.
"I'm just going to put all the options on the table and make the right decision. I can tell you that once I make my mind up, everything will happen very quickly. It's all about putting everything together that I feel like I need on my next new contract."
Where do you think Carlos Sainz will race in 2025? Let us know by commenting or voting below in the latest RacingNews365 poll.
Also interesting:
In the latest episode of the RacingNews365.com podcast, Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding look back at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen and Lando Norris went head-to-head for the victory around the famous Imola Circuit as McLaren continue to pile the pressure on Red Bull!
Rather watch than listen to the podcast? Click here.
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!