Mercedes and Carlos Sainz are reportedly in negotiations for a 2025 contract, but there is one problem. Since Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton from the Silver Arrows, Sainz will not have a ride for the upcoming season.
Following Aston Martin’s successful pursuit of Fernando Alonso, Mercedes might be the final competitive team without a spot available. Although Lance Stroll’s contract is up, the team is owned by his father, Lawrence.
FUnoAnalisiTecnica reports that Sainz is in communication with Toto Wolff’s group. However, the discussions aren’t going to be easy.
According to Damon Hill, Wolff might not be eager to recruit a driver that was passed over for Hamilton. Sainz, though, has emerged as one of the 2024 season’s most notable performers thus far.
Just two weeks after having appendix surgery, the 29-year-old won the Australian Grand Prix. In Bahrain and Japan, the two previous races he has started, he has also finished on the podium.
Max Verstappen, the world champion, is anticipated to remain at Red Bull, despite Wolff’s attempts to sign him. Mercedes also has the 17-year-old Italian phenom Andrea Kimi Antonelli on their roster, but the 17-year-old still needs to demonstrate his preparedness.
The disagreement between Carlos Sainz and Mercedes
Though they see things differently, Sainz and Mercedes both “want each and every other” for the upcoming season. Mercedes want a one-year contract with a two-year option, while the former is looking for a two-year agreement with a third.
With a full year of experience under his belt, Wolff would be able to promote Antonelli in 2026 thanks to this arrangement. The 17-year-old’s “speed, talent, and ability” had the Austrian thrilled.
In the unlikely event that Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull, he would also wish to hold a spot open. The Dutchman is aware that his current dominance may be threatened by a significant regulation change in 2026.
After being fired by Ferrari, Sainz is looking for answers on his future as quickly as possible. He appears apprehensive about his chances of holding the same role at Mercedes at the end of 2025.
The German firm “cannot afford to wait very long” to finalize its plans, according to Wolff. However, it’s still unclear if they can achieve success with Sainz.
Carlos Sainz, where will he go?It is true that Sainz has some negotiating leverage with Mercedes. He is aware that signing Verstappen might remain a fantasy and that elevating Antonelli would be risky.
Moreover, other teams are expressing a great deal of interest. Director of Red Bull Helmut Marko even conceded in Japan that Sainz would “have to” be taken into consideration for the following year.
The issue is that Sergio Perez, who has finished third in three races this year, is running strong. That’s even before you take into account the nearly “impossible” task of defeating Verstappen.
Apart from that, Sainz is examining the grid from a lower angle. Following Aston Martin’s announcement, journalist Lawrence Barretto thinks Sauber and Williams seem to be his most likely destinations.
While neither team has won a race in 2024, Sauber is at least slated to acquire Audi in 2026. They don’t anticipate winning titles until about 2031, but that might provide them with the financial support they need to go up the grid.
