Carlos Sainz, the outgoing Scuderia Ferrari driver, is on the cusp of losing a seat in F1 after Lewis Hamilton agreed to replace him in 2025 in one of the most iconic driver transfers in sports history. Lewis’ move had a ripple effect on Sainz just when his career with Ferrari was about to take off.
Since then, Carlos Sainz has been believed to be in negotiations with multiple teams, including Mercedes, Audi, and Red Bull. However, with summer break approaching, Sainz has still not been able to lock in a deal. And in the latest and most shocking rumor, the Spaniard is speculated to be in advanced discussions with a backmarker team.
Williams Emerges As Strong Contenders In Carlos Sainz’s Pursuit!
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz became the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023 and followed it up with yet another win this year in Australia in the midst of Red Bull’s dominant campaign. That being said, despite notable performances, Sainz remains without a seat for the 2025 season as Lewis Hamilton claimed his existing seat at Ferrari in an iconic transfer deal. That being said, Carlos didn’t waste his time and approached multiple front-row teams since the season began. He was believed to be in talks with Mercedes, Red Bull and even Audi for that matter. However, the Spanish driver is unable to strike a deal.
He was rejected by Mercedes as they were willing to offer Carlos Sainz only a one-year contract. Mercedes’ priority is to promote teenager Kimi Antonelli from 2026 when new regulations kick in. On the other hand, Red Bull seems keen on extending Sergio Perez, given the Mexican’s resurgence in 2024. And Audi is keen to lock Sainz in a long-term deal, given he commits the soonest. Amid options narrowing down, Carlos Sainz is now rumored to be in advanced talks with the back marker team and former champions of Williams Racing. The news has come as a shock to fans as Williams is no longer a competitive team. And Sainz is a proven race winner who rose through the ranks in mid-field from McLaren and Renault. It would be interesting to see how the speculations shape up as Sainz is racing against time to secure his future.
Carlos Sainz Ruled Out As Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement At Mercedes By F1 Pundit
In a blunt take, F1 pundit Craig Slater told Sky Sports that Carlos Sainz’s move to Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 season is off the table. He said that while Mercedes respects Sainz’s talent, they are currently sorting out other driver options.
“They are waiting on Max Verstappen if he becomes available, or Kimi Antonelli – the young Italian who turns 18 in August is in position A,” said Slater on Sky Sports. Indeed, Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ union does not seem to be happening anytime soon. If, at all, the Spaniard ends up settling for a one-year deal, then perhaps, Sainz could be seen donning the black suit next year.
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