In yesterday‘s drivers press conference, Carlos Sainz admitted that the decision on his future in Formula 1 is way off being finalised with new information emerging regarding a seat for next season.
Image: F1
The Spaniard will leave Ferrari at the end of this year and will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton who is departing from Mercedes. Since this was confirmed, rumours have flown around that Sainz could join forces with Mercedes in 2025. However, there have been links to Audi as well due to Sainz‘s father. It seemed easy for Sainz, but it actually isn‘t.
Audi already made their first move and confirmed Nico Hülkenberg as one of their two drivers for 2025. The German signed a three year contract with the team. The German manufacturer wants the profit from Carlos Sainz and offered him a deal. Rumours of a deadline were off the mark but emerged again with now being said that he has until Monaco to give the green light to Audi or not.
According to reports, Mercedes is interested in Sainz as well. As mentioned above, this rumour was around for quite some time. But now it seems more concrete. Toto Wolff apparently offers Sainz a contract. But it would only be a one year deal since Mercedes is still assessing the situation around Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Both are said to be favourites for a 2026 Mercedes seat.
But looking further into Verstappen‘s case it seems that he will fulfil his contract. Red Bull‘s managing director Oliver Mintzlaff confirmed that in Miami. But never say never in Formula 1. And that exactly the reason why Sainz is waiting. He has to wait until Verstappen decides if he wants to join Mercedes in 2025 or continue with Red Bull.
A Red Bull seat was also rumoured in case of Sainz. However, according to German outlet F1-Insider Red Bull plans to continue with Sergio Perez whose contract runs out at the end of this year. So if Verstappen and Perez build the 2025 Red Bull line-up again, Sainz could get the Mercedes seat instead.
Image: Ferrari media
With first drivers confirmed for 2025, the driver market continues to move. That also means less options for Carlos Sainz. On the question when we can expect news on his future he responded: “When I have it, you’ll know.” He added when pushed further on whether the announcement is still a long time off: “I think so, yeah. It’s not moving too quick.”
Audi‘s second seat is still open and the German manufacturer would be happy about a green light from the three-time race winner. If the deadline given to Sainz is true, then the Spaniard has to react quickly.
Other reports are saying that Audi would also be happy to continue with their current driver Valtteri Bottas. The Fin believes he is to “99 percent” on the grid in 2025. The question is, in which team.