Even Spanish rookie Carlos Sainz has found himself embroiled in the latest edition of Formula 1’s annual silly season, which is now in full swing as uncertainty at Ferrari has led to rampant speculation.
Sainz’s Toro Rosso teammate Max Verstappen, although just 17, was already linked with a sensational switch to Ferrari to replace the struggling Kimi Raikkonen.
But also Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg’s names have been mentioned, and now the impressive 20-year-old Sainz has been thrown in the mix.
“The truth is that it would not be right if I started to think about Ferrari,” Toro Rosso rookie Sainz told the Spanish sports daily Marca.
“I’m in (the middle of) this season. Of course if the opportunity comes, you’d have to take it, that’s for sure, but I’m just thinking about what I have to learn now,” insisted Sainz.
In truth, Finn Bottas is the clear favourite in the event Ferrari does oust Raikkonen. When asked about it, Bottas told Turun Sanoma, “There are all sorts of comments and pictures all over the place, but the fact is that there is still no certainty about the future.
“Hopefully, like last year, around Monza time at the latest I will know something,” he added.