Sainz’s manager sees ‘movements coming' in F1 drivers market

Carlos Onoro, who looks after the interests of Carlos Sainz, believes there will be some movements in the “coming weeks” in Formula 1’s drivers market.

Following Ferrari's decision to recruit Lewis Hamilton for 2025, Sainz finds himself as a free agent, with his future in F1 a central focus of discussions.

Sainz's talent and experience have made him a coveted commodity. Mercedes, looking to replace Hamilton, has emerged as a possible destination for the Spaniard.

However Red Bull – which originally promoted Sainz to F1 along with Max Verstappen back in 2015 – has openly acknowledged discussions with Sainz, with Sergio Perez's future uncertain.

Partnering with Verstappen at F1’s currently dominant force would undoubtedly be an attractive proposition for Sainz, offering him an opportunity to take on the Dutchman and fight for the title.

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Adding another layer of intrigue in the market is the arrival of Audi in 2026. The German manufacturer, currently operating as Sauber, has reportedly tabled a lucrative offer to entice Sainz to join their project as soon as next season.

Beyond the multiple options facing Sainz, Onoro ensures that no decision is imminent. But the upcoming weeks promise to be a period of intense negotiation and speculation as Sainz carefully considers the best path forward.

“No, no, no! You can sleep well between China and Miami don’t worry!” Onoro said on the latest F1 Nation podcast when asked if there would be any developments regarding Sainz’s future before next week’s Miami Grand Prix.

“Let’s say, it’s an interesting period of time at the moment.

“The driver market has been all over the place lately and I think we will see some movements in the upcoming weeks but for the moment, the juggling continues.

“There will be no big news at least coming from us, we’re still playing the game so we’ll see.”

In China, Sainz himself suggested that patience is a virtue in F1’s current drivers market.

"I think for sure all my best options are still open, which I think is a positive thing and something that obviously requires a bit of time, given the situation of the market," he told Sky Sports F1 in Shanghai.

"I think it's going to take some time for everyone to make their own mind and their own decisions, but the good options are still open."

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