Several drivers are still vying for the few remaining spots on the 2025 Formula 1 roster.
Carlos Sainz recently and finally withdrew from the available pool by signing with Williams just before the August recess, to the dismay of many supporters.
"I understand that perfectly," the departing Ferrari pilot remarked at Zandvoort, "but what do they want me to do?"
The openings at other leading teams such as Red Bull and Mercedes were effectively closed, leading Sainz to reject propositions from Audi and Alpine - possibly preferring a definite slot with a Mercedes engine for 2026.
At Zandvoort on Friday, Alpine disclosed that newcomer Jack Doohan has clinched the 2025 seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
Meanwhile, Sainz, aged 29, clarified he had "nothing to discuss" regarding rumors that his contract with Williams includes an escape clause for better future offers.
"It didn't surprise me," Sauber-Audi's contracted driver Nico Hulkenberg revealed ahead of the Dutch GP when questioned about Sainz declining Audi's approach.
"He hesitated for a long time and I think there were strategic reasons why he wanted to position himself elsewhere in the future and I think that was a big part of his decision," the German stated.
Mercedes has long considered Max Verstappen their ideal 'plan A', with young Kimi Antonelli as a reliable alternative, and a formal announcement is expected soon at Monza - about Kimi rather than Max.
"Kimi Raikkonen? Sorry?" Mercedes' George Russell quipped teasingly when probed about the 'Kimi' gossip. "Antonelli, he's the F2 driver, right?"
"Seriously, I think whoever's going to be my teammate next year, of course, we'll welcome them. And excited for the challenge together."
The decision for Sainz to join Williams excludes Logan Sargeant from the team in 2025, and on Friday he answered "it depends" when queried about possibly settling for a reserve role.
Guanyu Zhou still considers himself a contender to remain at Audi-Sauber as Hulkenberg's teammate, although Valtteri Bottas appears to have better prospects.
"As I mentioned in Spa, things have changed with the new contact person," the Finn mentioned, referring to new team boss Mattia Binotto. "We spoke briefly after the race in Belgium and continued the discussions this week. That is the current status.
"Over the last six months I've felt like I'm not the highest priority," Bottas continued, "but now it feels a little different."
He acknowledges that with Sainz now secured by Williams, his own chances have improved significantly.
"For sure it means that there is one less driver on the market," the 34-year-old noted. "My priority is to be part of Audi. Since the announcement that the brand is coming to Formula 1, I have always shown my interest in this project."
"They are definitely looking at all options, and they have to, but I can imagine that I am in a strong position. But of course, the decision is up with Mattia and Audi."
