Sainz says he will have ‘many options’

Carlos Sainz Jr is convinced he will have “many options” in Formula One next year when he leaves Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton, the Spanish driver said on Tuesday.

Hamilton will move to Ferrari from Mercedes next year in a move that has rocked Formula One. Charles Leclerc’s teammate “Prancing Horse” will become a seven-time champion.

“There are many options for 2025,” Sainz said during the unveiling of Ferrari’s 2024 car. He added that he knew in advance that Hamilton would take his place at Ferrari, but was still surprised.

Sainz noted that he is taking his time before signing with another team.

“It will probably be a longer process. “I have three or four of the most important years of my career ahead of me and I want to make sure I’m in the right place at the right time,” Sainz said. “I will think about it, consider all the options, listen to everyone and give myself enough time and information to make a decision.”

Sainz is heading into his fourth and final season at Ferrari, where he took his first Formula 1 victory by winning the 2022 British Grand Prix. He was the driver who avoided outright victory for Red Bull last season with victory in Singapore.

“I have a lot of great memories of this team,” Ferrari said. “My first lap in the Ferrari (at the Fiorano circuit) was one of the most emotional moments of my career.”