Carlos Sainz weighs in on ‘unhelpful’ speculation about his F1 future

With rumours linking Lewis Hamilton to his race-seat and potentially also Max Verstappen in the years to come, Carlos Sainz says the speculation isn’t helpful but that’s it part of F1.

Sainz, claims F1’s rumour mill, could be out of Ferrari with reports Hamilton is in line to take his Ferrari race-seat either at next season or in 2025 when Sainz’s current Ferrari contract expires.

But as that rumour begins to fade, Toto Wolff saying Hamilton will re-sign with Mercedes in a matter of days while the Daily Mail claims he wants a multi-year deal, Verstappen stories have began doing the rounds.

He was recently asked about that by Sky Sports, the driver saying: “I know Ferrari has an amazing history in Formula 1 and is an amazing team to race for, but I always said to myself I just want to be in the fastest car.

“At this stage, if it happens, it happens but I’m very happy where I am.”

Sainz, however, can take some comfort from F1’s rumour mill handing him over to another team rather than kicking him out of the sport with Audi said to be keen on retaining the Spaniard’s services. That, though, is only in 2026 but he could join Sauber before then.

While the Spaniard made it clear when that rumours first did the rounds that he wasn’t impressed, he now concedes F1’s silly season is just part of the story of the championship.

“When I put on my helmet and get in the car, I don’t think about who gets into my car or not,” he told Spanish dailyAS.

“At this time of year, speculation happens, but it is something that I have been exposed to for eight or nine years. It is true that it does not help. But on a personal level it doesn’t affect me.”

PlanetF1.com建议

Toto Wolff reveals money talks behind Lewis Hamilton contract hold-up

Max Verstappen opens door to future Ferrari switch in F1 ‘dream team’ discussions

Sainz is set to put the rumours behind him this weekend when he tackles the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

After a disappointing showing in Spain where he qualified P2 in Ferrari’s revised SF-23 but fell to fifth in the grand prix, the 28-year-old is hoping for better fortune in Montreal.

“I think Barcelona was the worst circuit for Ferrari,” he said. “It makes me angry that the home grand prix is the worst for our car.

“Canada is the opposite, I will go there for the podium.”

Sainz has yet to reach the podium this season with his P4 at the opening race in Bahrain his best result. With just 58 points on the board, 112 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen, he is P6 in the Drivers’ standings.