According to an Italian media report, Carlos Sainz Jr’s team had discussions with Mercedes regarding their open Formula 1 seat for the 2025 season. Sainz had expressed his desire to continue with Ferrari, but he is now without a drive for next year due to Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected signing with the Italian team. There are rumors linking Sainz to the Sauber-owned squad, which will become an Audi team when F1’s regulations change in 2026. Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi has hinted that Sainz is being considered for their future lineup, stating that they want the best team possible. However, Sauber has struggled in the current season, with poor results and a lack of points. Despite their struggles, the Mercedes seat is still considered the most competitive on the grid, and Sainz’s experience with Ferrari and his track record as a race winner make him an attractive option. Prior to the grand prix, Sainz, his father, and his manager were seen talking with Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff in Jeddah.
The Italian publication Corriere dello Sport has recently revealed that their discussions concerning potential negotiations about Carlos Sainz partnering with George Russell have come to light. According to the report, during the Saudi Arabian GP, Sainz and his entourage spent a significant amount of time in the Mercedes garage. Sainz Jr.’s contract with Ferrari is set to expire at the end of the season, prompting his manager Carlos Onorio and his father Carlos Sainz Senior to engage in extensive conversations with Toto Wolff.
In addition to Sainz, Fernando Alonso, a fellow Spaniard whose contract with Aston Martin ends in 2024, has been mentioned as a possible alternative to the departing Lewis Hamilton. When asked if he believes he is being considered by Mercedes, Alonso responded prior to the Saudi Arabian GP, stating that he is indeed on their radar due to his current lack of contract. He expressed his preference for being on the list of potential candidates rather than being left out entirely or contemplating retirement. Alonso intends to make a decision regarding his future within the next few weeks or races.
While Alonso had previously highlighted himself as the only available Formula 1 World Champion, recent developments at Red Bull have sparked rumors surrounding Max Verstappen. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, suggested that Christian Horner’s leadership at Red Bull could potentially cause internal conflicts within the team, following an investigation into Horner. Despite Red Bull’s continued dominance until 2024, the tensions within the Austrian team have raised speculation that Verstappen may seek an early exit from his long-term contract.
Although Toto Wolff expressed his desire to sign the reigning World Champion, he acknowledged that Mercedes’ primary focus is addressing the limitations of their car. He emphasized the need to improve the performance of the vehicle before entertaining thoughts of the future. Wolff stated that their priority is to provide George Russell and Lewis Hamilton with a competitive car.
Meanwhile, there are rumors that Mercedes Junior Driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who currently competes in Formula 2 with Prema, is being considered for a promotion to Mercedes in 2025. However, Wolff clarified that there is no rush to decide who will fill Hamilton’s vacant seat. He explained that they have several intriguing options and will assess the season’s progress before making a decision. The choice between young and more experienced drivers will not be made in the coming weeks but rather in the coming months, depending on how things unfold.