(Montmeló) When journalists asked Kevin Magnussen why he and other drivers still don’t know if they will race in Formula 1 next season, the Dane pointed the finger – literally – at Carlos Sainz Jr.
“Carlos is the bottleneck,” Magnussen said at the press conference ahead of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday.
“I think several drivers are waiting for him to make his decision, and then all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place,” added the Haas driver.
Sainz is the most popular driver for 2025 since Ferrari preferred British seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and gave Charles Leclerc a contract extension. He indicated that he would not take long to make his decision.
“A decision will be made very soon,” he said. I don’t want to wait any longer. It’s gotten to the point where it’s taking up too much space in my head these past few weeks. »
Williams have openly courted Sainz, while other teams such as Sauber – which will become Audi in 2026 – could also have a seat available. Mercedes appear to be out of the equation, but the German team will need to replace Hamilton.
“I’m still not sure one way or the other,” Sainz said. I always discuss it with my team and think about it. I haven’t had time to sit down and make a decision and that’s what I will do over the next few weeks. »
The 29-year-old has just trailed Leclerc in points over the past two seasons, and was the only race winner in 2023 excluding Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. .
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently said Sainz “deserves a top seat”. However, he seemed to rule out the idea of hiring him alongside Briton George Russell, choosing instead to tout the potential of 17-year-old hopeful Andrea Kimi Antonelli, currently in Formula 2.
As for Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso recently extended his contract. Quebecer Lance Stroll, son of the team’s owner, should be confirmed for 2025 “soon”, according to journalist Will Buxton.
Here is what the other drivers whose contracts will end at the end of the season said in Montmelo.
Ricciardo wants to stay with RB, Red Bull’s sister team, but he wants to “earn it”.
RB have already extended the contract of his Japanese team-mate Yuki Tsunoda for next season. Red Bull have done the same with Perez, ending Ricciardo’s hopes of returning to the team where he reached his peak between 2014 and 2018.
“I would like to stay now that I’m back in the Red Bull family, I don’t see myself anywhere else,” the 34-year-old veteran said. But obviously I have to deserve it. I want to be here because I know I still have my place. »
The last of Ricciardo’s eight F1 victories came in 2021 with McLaren.
Bottas’ future is uncertain with Sauber. The Finn simply said that his plans are “in development”.
“It’s not my first rodeo, so I’ll be fine,” he added.
Bottas has also driven for Williams and Mercedes. He has not won since 2021, with Mercedes.
Magnussen has 25 points with Haas in 2022, but was limited to three last year. He has only one point so far this season.
The 31-year-old said he is not worried about his future as he has already experienced periods away from F1, where he said “life is good”.
“When I was younger, I was afraid of being left out,” Magnussen admitted. But now I’m much more relaxed.
His teammate Nico Hulkenberg will move to Sauber next winter.
Perhaps Magnussen’s calm could do wonders for Logan Sargeant. The only American driver in F1 is in difficulty.
The Floridian will try to bounce back after an accident in Montreal. He has one point in 30 runs since his debut.
On Notre Dame Island, Williams manager James Vowles said Sargeant needed to “save his steering wheel.”
Vowles also said: “The target is Carlos [Sainz]” to team up with Alex Albon, who Williams awarded a contract extension in May.
“It’s worth looking at all options,” Sargeant suggested Thursday. There’s no reason not to do it in the situation, but it all kind of comes back to the point where you just have to try to continue to perform better. And you never know which doors open or stay open. »
Estaban Ocon will also be looking for a new team after Alpine announced this month that they would not renew his contract. Pierre Gasly’s deal with Alpine is also coming to an end.
