1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has warned Carlos Sainz that adopting a “waiting game” over his prospects in the series could end up backfiring.
Sainz was believed to be closing on a choice between Sauber/Audi and Williams with his next career move when Alpine complicated matters over the Spain weekend.
Despite claiming in Barcelona last month that he wanted to resolve his future in the coming weeks, Sainz has since committed a reversal as he considers his options.
Sergio Perez’s struggles at Red Bull have made his position unclear despite penning a new deal, while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has retracted his previous dismissal.
But while Sainz has issued that he will not be rushed into announcing a decision, Villeneuve has cautioned that he could end up missing out altogether at some stage.
“He is still probably hoping for Mercedes, that [Andrea Kimi] Antonelli is not good enough so the seat is available for a few years,” Villeneuve told betting website OLBG.
“But playing the waiting game you could find out you are the last one standing and the last one standing is not a positive here.
“At some point, you are bound to annoy other teams who have made you amazing offers. He seemed certain to be joining Williams, and then something happened.”
Sainz’s indecision has created an anxious wait throughout the paddock as several drivers have admitted that their plans in the driver market depend on the Spaniard.
“When you get a good offer and delay and delay at some point you will piss people off and they won’t want him,” Villeneuve added.
“You end up signing very late and you make it obvious to that team that they were only your third choice. That is not the best thing to do either.”
Nevertheless, the Canadian has praised Sainz’s attributes as a driver and believes that it is no coincidence that his past two teams have improved while he was there.
“He got to McLaren and the team started getting better. He left and it kind of plateaued and suffered when [Daniel] Ricciardo went there,” he explained.
“Then he got to Ferrari and they started getting better.
“He has a great work ethic and the way he works with engineers, his feedback is great and it pays off. It has a lot of value.
“He is quick and competitive and he seems to react well under pressure.
“When he was dropped by Ferrari he did not react badly. He reacted like a cool cat. That makes a lot of difference. Teams like that.
“He would be great for Williams who need two drivers like that. They are on their way up.”
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