Carlos Sainz has admitted that he is still unsure where his F1 future lies amid links to Red Bull and Mercedes but revealed that talks are already underway with multiple parties.
The Spaniard continued his impressive start to the campaign at Suzuka, following home the two Red Bull drivers to continue his 100 per cent podium record for races started in 2024.
However, despite his immense on-track performances, Sainz is still without a drive for the 2025 campaign, and the 29-year-old admitted to Sky Sports F1 that he is no closer to knowing his future home.
“Honestly, unfortunately, I have no clue where I’m going to be next year,” he said. “It is true that we’re talking to many teams. I just need to keep focused on what I’m doing.
“[I need] to show to everyone, to myself, that when I’m given a fast car, I’m maximising what I’m given, and I deliver. It’s been a strong start to the season.
“It is true that with this car you can shine a bit more than with last year’s car. I’ve done performances similar to this year, but you couldn’t shine. It was a much more difficult car to drive.”
The Ferrari star has been heavily linked with both Red Bull and Mercedes, with the latter needing a ready-made replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is replacing Sainz at the Italian constructor in 2025.
However, despite the persistent links and his immense current performance level, securing a seat may be difficult, particularly if Sergio Perez continues to impress at Red Bull.
Checo believes that his future is in his own hands and has kicked off the 2024 campaign with three P2 finishes and a P5 in Melbourne with damage, impressing Red Bull bosses in the process.
Should he continue to impress, this leaves Mercedes as the only likely top seat on offer to Sainz next year, although he needs to outshine the likes of Kimi Antonelli and Fernando Alonso to claim it.
