Carlos Sainz has admitted that he let out a laugh over reports in the Spanish media that he’s signed a contract to race with Williams from the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Sainz has been mulling over the options available to him since Ferrari informed him prior to the racing even beginning that it had signed Lewis Hamilton for next term.
The Spaniard is known to have a proposal on the table from Sauber as it prepares to morph into Audi, but it’s thought he was holding out on a potential Red Bull move.
But those hopes were dwindling as it became clear Sergio Perez was in line to retain his seat and it was announced earlier this week he’s signed a multi-term renewal.
However, Sainz has revealed that he understood in advance that a coveted return to the Red Bull setup alongside Max Verstappen would not be a feasible destination.
“I’ve known about it for quite some time, so it’s not new,” Sainz told AS on Red Bull. “Nothing to add. There are still several options on the table and we’ll see how it goes.”
Along with Sauber/Audi, Sainz has been embroiled in conversations with Williams boss James Vowles concerning a possible switch to come in alongside Alex Albon.
But while a publication in his native Spain claimed he has signed for the Grove-based team, Sainz denied that he has made a concrete choice on his post-2024 move.
“The only thing I can say is that nothing has been closed,” he added. “I’ve seen articles in the media saying that I’ve signed.
“It makes me laugh, months ago they were saying I had signed for Mercedes or Red Bull, and now that’s obviously not going to happen.
“Now people are saying I’ve signed for Williams and I laugh.
“Because this then doesn’t get punished. I don’t mean the journalists who are here, who are inside F1 and know when something has been signed.
“But I worry that people can get away with that sort of thing. When I have something to announce, you will be the first to know and I will speak openly.”
Despite Mercedes angling towards promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton, Sainz is adamant that he is in a strong position when it comes to his future.
“I can say that all the options I have on the table are good,” the three-time race winner reiterated.
“I am happy and proud to be able to choose my future in F1, I don’t think many drivers have the opportunity to choose where they are going to race for the next two or three years.
“Whoever I have spoken to, I feel loved and that makes me positive for the future.”
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