F1 enthusiasts are curious about Carlos Sainz‘s future. Without a contract, he remains a key player in the driver market. Several teams are interested, but Sainz hasn’t committed. Rumors suggest he discussed with Alpine, spurred by Flavio Briatore’s proposal. However, they have not made a deal. Sainz is taking his time, enjoying his current stint at Ferrari. Meanwhile, F1 veteran, David Coulthard advised Carlos Sainz to stay at Ferrari.

On the “Formula For Success” podcast with Eddie Jordan, Coulthard shared that he believes Sainz should not switch teams. Many experts have suggested the same, and some even think Sainz should talk to Mercedes or Red Bull while others prefer he waits until Lewis Hamilton retires or leaves Ferrari. “Williams has confirmed their interest in having him [Carlos Sainz] on the team. Audi would like him alongside Nico Hulkenberg,” said Coulthard on the podcast, adding: “But I think it would be better for Carlos to say to Ferrari: ‘I’ll be your reserve driver for the next two years because I don’t think Lewis do a third year.'”

Coulthard also hypothesized that Sainz should aim to stay with the Prancing Horse as he suggested, “Carlos would have two years to stay in shape, take a short mental break from F1, and then, at 32, he could get back behind the wheel of a case developed together with Lewis and Charles.” The expert implied that Carlos has weaker championship prospects with teams like Williams or Alpine than with Ferrari.

On the other hand, Audi is going to be a new team and it would be slightly risky to go there. Especially, now that Lewis Hamilton‘s stay at Ferrari has a tentative timeline, Sainz can surely opt for the team and stay in the reserves for the next 2-3 years.

For how long will Lewis Hamilton be at Ferrari; what does it mean for Carlos Sainz?

If Carlos were to take David Coulthard’s advice, then how long does he have to wait for the Ferrari seat? Under Fred Vasseur’s leadership since 2023, Ferrari has made a massive comeback. However, their recent dip says otherwise. But overall, the team is doing brilliantly. This paved the way for Lewis Hamilton’s entry into Maranello. Moreover, this new partnership brought an end to Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari. Hamilton is joining Ferrari in the hope that he’ll get a chance at clinching the record-breaking eighth title. But, here’s the catch, the 7x champ will have not one but three chances!

In a recent revelation, team principal Fred Vasseur stated: “[Lewis] had to make a choice. ‘Where do I have the biggest chance to win the world championship in 2025, ’26, ’27?’ And he said, ‘Ferrari’.” This means, Lewis Hamilton might be with the team until 2027. If Carlos chooses to stay, he will not only get a chance to work closely with Ferrari but also gain some knowledge from Hamilton’s years of experience. At the same time, he could nurture himself further and turn into a beast by the time he makes his comeback!

Sainz is known for his smart driving and has carved his own path in the sport. Coulthard’s advice seems like a great offer, and it is only up to Carlos to consider this. He can, of course, choose any other team for the next three years, but according to the expert, that would only be a ‘waste of time’. And right now, staying at Ferrari as their reserve driver is the best option he has in his hands. So, what do you believe Carlos Sainz should do? Let us know below.