If you've noticed your F1 aficionado pals nervously twitching at every Twitter (X) notification this year, it's probably because they're more anxious about the fate of a wealthy 29-year-old Spaniard than their own futures. What's got them so worked up? The silly season of F1 driver swaps is in full swing, and we've got all the juicy updates on the man at the centre of it all.

Carlos Sainz Jr. has been driving for Ferrari since 2021 alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. Widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers and best strategic minds on the grid, the world was stunned in February 2024 when it was announced that he would be replaced by 7-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, in 2025.

This has made the 3 time Grand Prix winner the HOTTEST commodity on the grid, reportedly receiving offers from every team. Despite the frenzy, he hasn't put pen to paper yet, much to the frustration of fans and other drivers. So, what is taking him so long? Let’s look at his options:

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Mercedes his only option for a top-tier team. However, Team Principal Toto Wolff is absolutely heartbroken after Lewis left him and is now scouting a 17-year-old prodigy for a rebound. They likely offered Carlos a 1-year contract to make way for current F2 driver Kimi Antonelli in 2026. 

Although not officially announced, Williams is almost certain to drop Logan Sargeant at the end of the year. Team Principal James Vowles has clearly stated “their number one target is Carlos” and has reportedly offered him a 2+2 year deal. 

Audi is acquiring Sauber and will officially compete as an F1 team and constructor from 2026. Carlos has ties to Audi through his father, Carlos Sainz Sr. who has previously driven for them in the Dakar Rally. They’ve also made it apparent that they want Sainz and are offering him a long-term contract.

“I think that everybody would like to have Carlos on board. He is one of the best drivers. He shows [himself] to be extremely mature, a good driver to develop the car, to drive the team for the development, but at the same time very consistent, very strong both in qualifying and race.”

- Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber Team Representative

Rumour has it that Netflix brought in an extra crew to the Spanish Grand Prix to capture 'the big announcement,' which was speculated to be Carlos Sainz moving to Williams. 

However, no such announcement was made. Meanwhile, Alpine has recently appointed Flavio Briatore as their new Executive Advisor. Briatore, who led Renault to win championships during his tenure as Team Principal, was banned from F1 for life following the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal. 

This controversy arose when Renault F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to manipulate the race in favour of his teammate, Fernando Alonso. Briatore's ban was overturned in 2013. He was spotted talking to Sainz’s father outside the Alpine hospitality box during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. Carlos wasn’t linked to Alpine until Flavio entered the picture.

Redbull rumours….again???

The announcement that Sergio Perez signed a two-year deal with Red Bull shattered the hopes of Sainz fans eager for his reunion with Max Verstappen (the duo joined F1 together in 2015 as teammates at Toro Rosso). 

However, speculations have risen about Perez potentially being dropped from the team in 2025 due to his lacklustre performance this year, highlighted by him being 137 points behind his teammate in the Driver's Standings following the British Grand Prix.

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Sainz is truly the y/n of the moment. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen referred to Carlos as the 'cork in the bottle,' stating, "I think a lot of guys are waiting for him to make a move, and then eventually all the other pieces of the puzzle will fall into place. That's the truth of it." 

Carlos himself has not succumbed to the pressure yet.

“I'm going to be honest and straightforward with the teams, but it's such an important decision for me also that I'm going to take all the time that I need to take it. And if there are teams that cannot wait or are a bit impatient, I cannot do anything about it. It's going to be my future, my decision, and I'm going to try and be as honest as possible with everyone and give myself the time that I need."

He has stated recently that when he’s not racing (Monday to Thursday), he’s consumed by talks with management and teams about his future but doesn’t let that affect his on-track performance on the weekend. However, even he admits that being in a stable contract situation offers more performance potential than his current position. 

Carlos is confronted with a very challenging decision, and his fans will have to wait longer to get an answer to the question:

Where will the Chili's next smooth operation be?

But one thing is for certain: Netflix is going to have a field day with all this content! 

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