Carlos Sainz could be one of the determining pieces facing the Formula 1 driver market. The Spaniard, who has McLaren as the first option, could hear quite loudly certain siren songs coming from Ferrari.
The Spaniard’s contract will be up for renewal again after 2020 and McLaren could lose their best driver to Ferrari for next season. While Sebastian Vettel is far from certain of his future at the Scuderia for 2021 and some see Sainz could be one of the best options to replace the German.
Asked by the Daily Express, former F1 driver Martin Brundle said Sainz may be a good option to replace Vettel at Ferrari for next season.
“Yes, if he has no contract. I always thought that Sainz would be champion, even when McLaren wasn’t sure about signing with him. He has the mentality of his father, Carlos Sainz, who is a two-time world rally champion.” Brundle said.
“At Toro Rosso, Sainz was very close to Verstappen in terms of performance. The decision turned out to be a political one. He ended up being father against father and son against son, and in the end, the decision was in favor of Verstappen. I think everyone would make the same choice.” Brundel added.
Sainz finished at sixth in the 2019 drivers’ championship with 96 points. During his pre-season testing in February, he insisted that he will focus with his current team.
“At the moment I am logically mainly concerned with McLaren. Everyone knows that I feel at home here and I am talking to them about 2021.” Sainz said.
“Of course it’s nice to hear that people in Italy talk about me and a possible transfer to Ferrari. I only see that as a compliment. But Logically, I am mainly focused on McLaren right now.” Sainz added.
Due to the F1 drastic changes in rules, Sainz hoped to close the gap to this year and next year and need to make three top teams smaller.
