Carlos Sainz has conceded that his desire to secure a seat with a title-contending Formula 1 team next season is improbable, but he has ruled out taking a sabbatical.
Sainz’s prospects past the ongoing season have dominated the F1 driver market since it was announced that Lewis Hamilton will take over his drive at Ferrari in 2025.
The Spaniard has expressed that he will not be rushed into making a decision as he continues to weigh up concrete proposals from Alpine, Sauber/Audi and Williams.
Sainz’s hopes of attaining a coveted Red Bull drive have been ruled out despite Sergio Perez’s woes, while Mercedes is leaning towards protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
But Sainz has expressed that he continues to prioritise hope that he can slot into a potential championship-winning operation, though he admits the chances are faint.
“My best option for next year would be a championship-winning car, which is what has been my number one priority since talks about my future have happened,” he said.
“And the likelihood of that, we all know, that is small, but, you know, that’s always been my target.
“And if not, if that doesn’t happen, I’ll choose what’s best for my near future, for sure.”
Nevertheless, Sainz has dismissed the question that he could contemplate enduring a season on the sidelines should his options be reduced to sides down the order.
Asked whether a sabbatical was a realistic proposition he could consider, Sainz responded to Motorsport Week: “Absolutely no. A sabbatical is not even in my head.
“I’m happy in Formula 1, love Formula 1, and I’d rather go down to a midfield team and use my skill in the peak of my career to try and help a midfield team to find the right way than take a year off and being third driver for anyone. I’m competitive and I know [what] I can still bring to a midfield team.”
Despite the upcoming summer break providing an ideal time to resolve his post-Ferrari destination, Sainz has admitted that he can’t guarantee an outcome will arrive.
Pressed on whether a resolution can be expected across the shutdown period, Sainz responded: “Do you honestly think I’m gonna answer that question?
“After all this time, I’m now gonna tell you if I’m gonna decide tomorrow or in five days or before the summer break, I cannot honestly give you the answer and I cannot.
“Simple as that I don’t know I don’t know if it’s gonna be before or after summer break, stay by your phone.
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