Carlos Sainz proves his worth to the grid with stellar Australian GP win with his F1 career on the line

On the eve of the 2024 F1 season, Carlos Sainz was informed that he would not be racing for Scuderia Ferrari next year. The Spanish driver had joined the Italian team in 2021 on a multi-year contract which extended till 2024. However, Maranello decided to not renew its deal with the 29-year-old.

Ferrari signed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on a $430 million deal to replace Carlos Sainz. This left the 29-year-old with an uncertain future beyond the current season. However, the Spanish driver took a rather diplomatic approach and claimed that he would continue to be a team player for the Scuderia.

Three races into the new season, Carlos Sainz has exceeded expectations and impressed the entire paddock with his results. Sainz has managed to not only outperform teammate Charles Leclerc, but even take victory at the Australian GP. Certainly, the Spanish driver is on a charge to prove his worth on the grid to secure his future in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Carlos Sainz bounces back stronger than ever after appendicitis surgery

Sainz had a great start to the 2024 season after bagging a podium at the season opener in Bahrain. The 29-year-old seemed to be at home with the SF24 at Sakhir with a confident drive. However, the Spanish driver was forced to miss the Saudi Arabian GP after being diagnosed of appendicitis. This left the Ferrari driver on bed rest for many days before the next round in Melbourne.

Many had thought that Sainz’s health would derail his 2024 campaign. The 29-year-old had been in pain and was not back to his 100% when he arrived at Albert Park. However, Carlos Sainz was determined to achieve a good result to bounce back from his illness.

The Spanish driver had admitted that he was not completely comfortable after driving in free practice at Albert Park. Nevertheless, Carlos Sainz went against all odds to qualify on the front row for the race, right next to pole-sitter Max Verstappen. The 29-year-old outperformed Charles Leclerc despite being through surgery just two weeks prior.

Before the start of the weekend, many had expected Leclerc to be in contention for the race win in Melbourne. However, it was Carlos Sainz who overtook Max Verstappen in the race before the Dutchman retired due to a mechanical failure. The 29-year-old kept his calm and extended his lead to almost ten seconds.

While Leclerc was battling the two McLarens for the majority of the race, Sainz seemed to be on a Sunday drive in the lead. The 29-year-old did not face any real threat from the rest of the field in the race. Subsequently, Carlos Sainz came home to win the Australian GP with a comfortable margin. Certainly, the Spanish driver has performed beyond expectations as he tries to redeem himself on the grid.

Carlos Sainz’s results could raise questions over Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton

Scuderia Ferrari decided to sign in Lewis Hamilton to replace Carlos Sainz for 2025. Maranello was adamant in bringing the seven-time world champion in the team. Charles Leclerc has always had the support of the Scuderia and was handed another long-term extension days before Hamilton’s deal. However, Sainz, who was the only non-Red Bull race winner in 2023 was to be let go by the Italian team.

Now, Carlos Sainz stands just seven points behind Leclerc in the Championship standings despite missing one out of the three races. Moreover, the 29-year-old has scored 32 more points than Lewis Hamilton. Although, this could not be termed as a fair comparison due to the pace deficit between Ferrari and Mercedes.

Critics will raise questions against Ferrari’s call to replace Sainz. The 29-year-old might’ve had a rough few rounds last season. However, Fred Vasseur could end up regretting his decision considering Carlos Sainz’s stellar form this season. On the other hand, Charles Leclerc has struggled more than his teammate to get to grips with the SF24.

Additionally, Lewis Hamilton has failed to outqualify teammate George Russell at Mercedes in all three races so far. The seven-time world champion is one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. However, the legacy does not help a team unless the Briton manages to deliver results. Critics could argue that the Scuderia had decided to replace Carlos Sainz at his peak with Hamilton who was past his prime.

What are Carlos Sainz’s options for 2025?

The 29-year-old had made it clear that he wanted to continue with Ferrari. Carlos Sainz had turned down Audi’s offer in the past. However, Maranello’s decision to replace the Spaniard came as a shock to Sainz. Subsequently, the 3-time race winner now needs to find a place for the future.

Certainly, Sainz’s incredible form will put him in the list of all teams who need to sign a driver for next season. The Sauber-run Stake F1 team will be interested in signing the 29-year-old before Audi’s arrival in 2025. The Spaniard has already been on the team’s radar. However, moving to Audi would be a gamble for the Ferrari driver. Carlos Sainz would need to put faith in the German automaker to lift up Sauber which has struggled to even stay in the midfield lately.

Additionally, Mercedes might be Sainz’s prime target. The Silver Arrows need to find a suitable replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Many drivers have been rumored to be on Brackley’s radar including Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. However, Carlos Sainz could be the most realistic option for Toto Wolff‘s squad. The Spaniard will be 30 when he joins Mercedes and as such could stay with the team for the long-term.

On the other hand, Sainz might have a chance to reunite with Red Bull in 2025. The 29-year-old was part of the Red Bull driver academy and even made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso. Certainly, Carlos Sainz’s dominant Australian GP victory will turn heads at Milton Keynes. The reigning world champion is open to replacing Sergio Perez for 2025. Helmut Marko has mentioned that any deserving driver could be in contention. As such, Sainz could try and reopen the door to the Austrian team next season.

Certainly, Carlos Sainz has proved himself as one of the best drivers on the current grid. The Spanish driver has overcome the setback of appendicitis with an incredible performance in Albert Park. The 29-year-old might not be happy to race with an uncertain future. However, this has only pushed Sainz to the limit. As such, the 3-time race winner is a man on a mission who aims to re-establish himself in the pinnacle of motorsport.

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