Carlos Sainz sends clear message to Williams on his F1 future: 'I'll take all the time I need'

Carlos Sainz insists he is in no rush to decide his F1 future, even though some teams are losing patience with the time he is taking to make a decision.

Sainz’s F1 future continues to be a hot topic with three teams – Alpine, Sauber and Williams – all reportedly interested.

Once Sainz makes his decision, it is likely to trigger the rest of the F1 driver market with the likes of Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas waiting to see which teams are still available after the Spaniard’s choice.

Over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, reports emerged claiming that Williams was losing patience while waiting for Sainz’s position and that the door could close on the Ferrari driver.

Whether this is true or a ploy to get Sainz to make a decision more quickly, the 29-year-old is in no rush to make a decision on his F1 future.

Sainz returned to the F1 podium at the Austrian Grand Prix with a solid progress to third place.

Speaking at the FIA’s post-race press conference, Sainz dismissed questions he was being pushed into making a decision.

“As I said before, I’m definitely not going to feel that pressure on a Sunday afternoon after a podium where I’m looking forward to enjoying it,” he said. “As I said before, I think sometimes, as George was saying, we take for granted being on one of these podiums celebrating, wearing a Ferrari suit.

“And yes, I thought I would try to enjoy this moment, because who knows when it will be the next time in the future. And also, even if some teams are nervous or put pressure on me, it’s time for me too to enjoy this moment of being on a podium.

Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari celebrates his third place on the podium…

“And yes, I will be honest and direct with the teams. But it’s such an important decision for me too that I’m going to take all the time I need to make it. And if there are teams that can’t wait or are a little impatient, yeah, there’s nothing I can do about it.

“It will be my future, my decision, and I will try to be as honest as possible with everyone and give myself the time I need.”

Sainz has been described as the ‘cork in the bottle’ in terms of the F1 driver market.

For example, if he joins Alpine, it would allow Ocon and Bottas to join Haas and Williams respectively.