Sainz unsure if he faces last shot at ultimate goal

Carlos Sainz is unsure if the upcoming 2024 F1 season is his "final chance" to become a World Champion.

The Spaniard is currently without a seat for 2025 following Lewis Hamilton's meteoric move to partner Charles Leclerc next year, although Sainz is one of the most attractive options on the driver market.

As things stand, there are two seats available in leading teams, with Red Bull and Mercedes both currently having just one driver contracted for next year. At Mercedes, only George Russell is confirmed, whilst Max Verstappen's deal at Red Bull doesn't expire until the end of 2028.

Sainz has been linked to the Silver Arrows and with a possible return to Red Bull, whose sister team he departed in the latter stages of the 2017 season to join Renault. At just 29 years old, Sainz is arguably entering his prime, making him someone who will undoubtedly receive several options.

It's Audi's 2026 F1 entry he's been speculated with the most, although the German manufacturer is unlikely to be an immediate title contender and its current guise of Stake F1 may not be the most enticing. Of course, Aston Martin might also have a seat available for next year if Fernando Alonso departs; however, the two-time World Champion has previously expressed his intent on signing an extension.

'Many options' for 2025

"I hope it's not my last chance to win or to go for a title," Sainz told select media, including RacingNews365.

"With so many options open for 2025 in the market, I will make sure I also look for the most interesting ones in that sense.

"It's such an important year for me because I'm still wearing red, and I still have the target of becoming Champion with Ferrari and I still have one more chance. But my ultimate chance is to become World Champion in general no matter who you achieve it with, obviously, ideally with Ferrari this year.

"But if not, there will be other opportunities and other chances hopefully in the future. I feel ready for whatever comes. I have prepared myself better than ever this season and I just want to get started and focus on 2024."