Despite the setback, Sainz has started 2024 strongly claiming a win at the Australian Grand Prix after undergoing surgery only weeks before.
Where will Sainz move to in 2025?
Sainz’s eventual destination has been widely speculated with some suggesting a straight swap with Mercedes.
However, Mercedes seem to be putting all their efforts behind junior driver Kimi Andrea Antonelli as part of their long-term future.
Sainz’s recent form has given rise to the rumours that he could move to Red Bull, however Sergio Perez would have to vacate his seat in order for that to be possible.
The Spanish driver has also been linked to the Audi project, who recently signed German driver Nico Hulkenberg for 2025.
A report from La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that if Audi fail to sign Sainz, they may consider Pierre Gasly as an option.
The Frenchman currently races for Alpine, however, their lack of performance may be enough to tempt the dissatisfied race winner to another team.
Gasly has had a rollercoaster career, originally part of the Red Bull family and promoted to the senior team after a year in F1.
However, failing to match his team-mate Max Verstappen, Gasly was demoted to Toro Rosso/Alpha Tauri (now VCARB), which fortunately led to his first race win at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.
If Gasly makes the switch to Audi could he finally be in with a chance of competing for F1 race wins or even a championship?