Light and shadow: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is experiencing a turbulent time. © APA/afp / MARTIN KEEP

Eliminated winner: What happens to Carlos Sainz?

The Spaniard Carlos Sainz impressively promoted himself with his Formula 1 victory in Australia. Just two weeks after an appendix operation, the Ferrari driver celebrated his third Grand Prix success and made himself attractive to a new employer.

March 25, 2024

From: dpa/fop

Next year, Sainz will have to free up his place alongside Charles Leclerc for record world champion Lewis Hamilton, who comes from Mercedes.

“I'm still without a job for next year. “That will help,” said Sainz his success on Sunday in Melbourne. But he primarily races “to prove to myself that I can do it if I am given a car and that I can be at the front. That’s the mentality and approach I have and will continue with the rest of the year.”

Audi, Mercedes, Red Bull – or something completely different?

Sainz is linked to several teams. Kick Sauber, which will become the Audi works team from 2026, is considered an option. Likewise, Sainz can be a candidate for Mercedes, where Hamilton is contesting his final season. However, world champion Max Verstappen, who was stopped by a brake defect on Sunday, is considered the top candidate if he wants to leave Red Bull.

Carlos Sainz took his first win of the season in Melbourne. © APA/afp / WILLIAM WEST

Sainz still has good connections to the racing team of the Austrian-Thai drinks company. The Madrilenian eventually went through Red Bull's youth program and made his Formula 2015 debut for the then sister team Toro Rosso in 1.

“I’m sure he’ll have a lot of opportunities.” Charles Leclerc on Carlos Sainz

Verstappen's current stable rival Sergio Perez, who was facing early release last year, only has a contract for this season.

“Everyone in the paddock knows the value of Carlos,” said Sainz’s Ferrari teammate Leclerc. “I am sure he will have many opportunities. He just has to make the best decision for his career.”