Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): “No one knows that today!” / System 1

Remarkable: Since Miami at the beginning of May 2023, we have seen only two drivers win Grands Prix in the premier class – either Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen or Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. The 29-year-old Spaniard was able to prevent the Dutchman from continuing his good performances in Singapore 2023 and Australia 2024.

Sainz has driven in China five times so far, with three different employers: 2015 to 2017 with Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), 2018 with Renault, 2019 with McLaren. Best result: 7th place in the 2017 race.

Sainz flew into Shanghai in fourth place at the World Championships, although he had to miss the race in Jeddah because of his appendix operation – Carlos was third in Bahrain, the winner in Australia, third again in Japan, the Madrilenian is in form interesting. And of all people, this Sainz still doesn’t have a contract until 2025. Carlos jokingly called himself “the unemployed man of Formula 1”.

In the paddock of the Shanghai International Circuit, the 186-time GP participant says: “I have every opportunity for the future. My best options remain open, and I suspect it will take time for everyone to know what they want to do from 2025. No big difference has happened in the past few weeks, so I have nothing new for you in that matter.”

“Of course it would be nice to have my future sorted out as soon as possible, but that has no effect on my performance. Such decisions need to be made peacefully and I will give myself that time. I have to evaluate what is the most promising solution for the coming years.

Which also remains a question mark for Carlos Sainz: “No one can say today who will collect everything when it comes to the new regulations at the beginning of 2026. No matter how carefully you research the potential partners at the moment, no matter how the racing teams present themselves for 2026 and 2027 – the truth is that no one knows how competitive the teams will be then.

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round
outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0