Carlos Sainz warned against risky 'waiting game' in search for 2025 seat

Following the news that he would be replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the 2024 F1 season, Sainz faces a crossroads with multiple options on the table but no confirmed deal.

Currently, the Spaniard has several potential destinations, including Stake/Audi, Williams, and Alpine. Speculation has also linked him to a potential move to Mercedes in an indirect swap with Hamilton. However, this move hinges on whether Mercedes will take a gamble and promote teenage star Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Formula 2.

Throughout this period of uncertainty, Sainz has maintained a calm demeanour, insisting he would take as long as necessary to decide his future. However, former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve warned that such a strategy could backfire. "He is still probably hoping for Mercedes, that Antonelli is not good enough, so the seat is available for a few years," Villeneuve told OLBG.

Villeneuve emphasized the risks of Sainz's cautious approach. "Playing the waiting game you could find out you are the last one standing, and the last one standing is not a positive here.

"At some point, you are bound to annoy other teams who have made you amazing offers. He seemed certain to be joining Williams, and then something happened."

Villeneuve highlighted the potential consequences of delaying a decision. "When you get a good offer and delay and delay at some point you will piss people off and they won't want him.

"You end up signing very late and you make it obvious to that team that they were only your third choice. That is not the best thing to do either."

Since Ferrari announced Hamilton's multi-year contract to replace Sainz, the 29-year-old has remained resolute and professional. Despite knowing he would be replaced, Sainz refrained from criticizing Ferrari and focused on his future prospects. Audi's project has long been considered a potential destination for Sainz, even before the Hamilton news broke.

Williams initially appeared to be the frontrunner for Sainz's services after team principal James Vowles launched a charm offensive. However, Alpine also emerged as a contender, aiming to bring Sainz back after his stint with the team in 2017-2018.

Villeneuve, who won his championship with Williams in 1997, believes Sainz's skill-set and ability to improve a team will be a perfect match for the Grove-based outfit. "He got to McLaren and the team started getting better," Villeneuve noted.

"He left and it kind of plateaued and suffered when [Daniel] Ricciardo went there. Then he got to Ferrari and they started getting better."

Villeneuve praised Sainz's work ethic and contributions. "He has a great work ethic and the way he works with engineers, his feedback is great and it pays off. It has a lot of value. He is quick and competitive and he seems to react well under pressure. When he was dropped by Ferrari he did not react badly.

"He reacted like a cool cat. That makes a lot of difference. He would be great for Williams who needs two drivers like that. They are on their way up."

As the Formula 1 season progresses, the Hungarian Grand Prix looms as the next event on the calendar. Scheduled for the weekend of 19-21 July, it marks the 13th race of the season. The race, set to cover 70 laps of the 4.381-kilometre Hungaroring in Budapest, takes place on Sunday, July 21. Fans now await the next chapter in Sainz's career and the unfolding drama of the 2024 season.