Jun.26 (GMM) Carlos Sainz says he has put thoughts about his Formula 1 future on hold for now, even as speculation linking him with a move away from Williams continues to intensify.
The Spaniard has been linked with several potential destinations for 2027, including a surprise return to the Red Bull family if Max Verstappen departs, while Sergio Perez is among those rumoured as a possible replacement at Williams.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Sainz would be one of the most sought-after drivers if he became available.
“I believe that this is currently the hottest personnel issue in Formula 1,” Schumacher said.
“Carlos Sainz is one of those drivers who is consistent, fast, makes few mistakes, and has a good reputation for being able to drive a team forward.
“He is currently someone who has a great chance of getting another cockpit.”
Schumacher also believes Sainz has what it takes to fight for a title.
“Yes, I believe he is capable of that,” he said. “He is a very analytical driver.
“So I’ll say it again – I believe that Carlos Sainz currently has relatively good offers and that he wants to leave Williams. I understand that.”
Sainz, however, insists his attention remains on helping Williams recover from a disappointing second season together.
“Honestly, I’m not thinking about it because I have so much work to do here at Williams,” he said in Austria. “We have a lot of simulator sessions and meetings.
“I’ve even asked my team to leave me alone for a bit until the summer break to try and help Williams and improve the situation as much as possible.”
He admitted the summer break could be when he finally evaluates his options.
“The team already knows my intentions and priorities, which are to stay here and continue long-term,” he said. “I believe in the vision of the project, although right now we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Sainz also suggested significant progress may still be some way off. “We don’t expect to make giant leaps until the last third of the season,” he said.
“Until then, we’re going to bring things that I hope will help us stay in contention and remain around the top ten. But until we get to the last third, I’m afraid it’s not going to be anything extraordinary.”
He believes Williams’ problems are not financial. “Money is not the problem at Williams,” Sainz insisted.
“We have the budget and the management’s investment in many things.”
Instead, he says improvements are needed elsewhere.
“The hope was not to completely close the gap, but rather to maintain roughly where we finished last year.
“With the wind tunnel hours we had available, we expected to make progress, but we clearly saw that the leading teams are operating at a completely different level.
“The team has invested heavily in facilities, but much of the work lies in processes, efficiency and working methods.
“That’s where we really need to get it right.”
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