Carlos Sainz has detailed the 2026 Formula 1 pecking order will be a “coin toss”, adding a complication to the decision to commit his future.
New technical regulations will be introduced to the sport in two years' time which threaten to shake up the F1 pecking order.
Sainz is currently on the hunt for a new F1 home after learning earlier this year that he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next season.
The Spaniard is believed to be an option for both Audi and Mercedes and is said to be seeking a long-term contract for his next deal.
Such a commitment would take him into the sport's new era - but Sainz asserted there is no way to know which team will get the upcoming regulation change right.
“All the options are viable ones right now for me because I don't have a deal for next year so I need to consider all the options,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365.
“Given the huge regulation change in 2026, I consider 2026 a bit like a coin toss. It's impossible to know right now who’s going to get it right.”
Viewed by others:
2026 will be 'right place, right time'
Sainz asserted that any driver who finds himself at the top of the field in 2026 can thank luck rather than basing their move off projections.
“When I take the decision for when where I’m going to be 2026/2027 – it doesn’t matter how much you talk to teams, how much they sell you how good they’re doing with the engine – the reality is no one knows,” he said.
“If someone wins in 2026, in my opinion, it’s not because of smart decision-making, but because you’re just in the right place and at the right time.
“Regarding 2025, for sure my opinion is, with the level I’m showing and I’m driving now, obviously being in a competitive car would be very appealing for me.
“But, again, it doesn’t depend on me and I need to keep waiting.”
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!