Lewis Hamilton’s surprising decision to sign with Ferrari disrupted the F1 grid and put Carlos Sainz’s career on hold. As a childhood dream, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has caused a wave of uncertainty among several F1 drivers. Sainz, the current Ferrari driver, will be replaced by Hamilton in 2025, forcing the Spaniard to pause his racing career until he secures a new team. The decision has also sparked anxiety among the Mercedes team, which is scrambling to find a replacement.
However, F1 fans believed that the Silver Arrows would be an ideal home for Sainz since they would provide him with stability. Others speculated that Red Bull may replace failing Sergio Perez with the Spaniard, who has had a great 2024 season thus far. However, both teams have reaffirmed their stance on Carlos Sainz, stating that contract negotiation is not working.
Mercedes-Red Bull Reluctant To Offer Carlos Sainz A Multi-Year Contract
Mercedes, once a powerhouse in F1, is now grappling with losing its ‘elite-team status’ and performance concerns. The team’s W15 project appears in dire straits, and Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari would only compound their woes. Hamilton, set to conclude his final season with the Silver Arrows in 2024, is determined to end on a high note. However, this season has been a far cry from his debut, with technical issues persistently plaguing the team. Carlos Sainz could be the perfect replacement for Hamilton. The Spaniard has been in top touch throughout the 2024 season. He steers through the tricky tacks with precision, and his experience in the motorsport is a bonus. Thus, the Mercedes-Sainz partnership seemed like a sure bet.
However, the contract negotiation is at a standstill for multiple reasons. The Brackley-based outfit is grooming a young Italian prodigy for the future. Kimi Antonelli, regarded as the next Hamilton, is the team’s top pick. Recently, during a test at Silverstone, Mick Schumacher and Geroge Russell participated. However, according to the Italian newspaper, Antonelli was faster than Russell and Schumacher. Moreover, due to his age and lack of experience, Toto Wolff doesn’t want to rush him to the grid. Meanwhile, Wolff wants Kimi to experience the thrill of F1 with Williams for a year or so. Until then, the team is looking for a one-year ‘stop-gap’ driver to take the seat. On the other hand, Carlos Sainz, with his experience and recent success, wants at least a two-year contract. Thus, the conflicting interests between Sainz and Mercedes are stalling the negotiations.
Eddie Jordan Warns Sainz To Steer Clear Of This F1 Team In 2025
Eddie Jordan, who once managed Jordan’s team on a low budget, has advice for Carlos Sainz. Eddie has plenty of knowledge and experience in the F1 world. Therefore, his advice might be helpful for Sainz’s F1 future.
Eddie shared his views on Carlos Sainz’s next move during an F1 Nation podcast. Since Mercedes is no longer interested in signing the Spaniard, Audi and Williams are the following options. However, according to journalist Tom Clarkson, Eddie feels ‘Sauber is not the answer for Sainz. Thus, he should avoid moving to Sauber in 2025.
