One of the most successful teams in F1, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team’s second seat is vacant for the 2025 season. After Lewis Hamilton’s shocking move to Ferrari, the Silver Arrows have been forced to pick up the pieces as well as secure the team’s long-term future.
However, to fill Lewis Hamilton’s shoes is a daunting task for Mercedes. As far as replacement is concerned, team principal Toto Wolff has remained tight-lipped. He said the team will take its due course of time to select the best candidate available. Amid this, Wolff’s brief chat with a Red Bull driver has the F1 fraternity buzzing with all sorts of wild speculations.
Sergio Perez Sparks Row With Rare Spotting With Mercedes’ Toto Wolff!
The F1 season kicked off earlier this week, and teams took out their brand-new challengers on the track in Bahrain. On day 1, George Russell took out the W15 for a spin for Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton scheduled to drive for Day 2. Having said that, a particular picture from the Bahrain paddock is doing rounds on social media. In the photo, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez was seen having a serious conversation with Silver Arrows team principal Toto Wolff. It remains unclear what the duo gossiped about. But the chat is believed to have lasted for a brief period before Checo made his way back to the Red Bull garage.
Needless to say, one picture of Checo with Toto Wolff was enough to spark row amongst the F1 community. Many touted Sergio Perez as Wolff’s potential candidate for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 season. Notably, Checo has been struggling with Red Bull for a couple of seasons. His future in the drink-based outfit is subject to this year’s performance. Thus, Perez seems to be keeping his options open. On the other hand, Toto Wolff intends to sort out all the options before taking a final call. Checo could be out of contract after the current season. And given a competitive car and positive environment, the Mexican driver should be able to thrive. Regardless, Checo’s alleged move to Mecedes is still a pipe dream. These conjectures are based on a single picture, which is not enough to derive strong conclusions.
Carlos Sainz’s Dad Greets Red Bull Seniors At Bahrain
After Mercedes-Checo’s speculations, Red Bull is reportedly in talks with Carlos Sainz for a potential opportunity in the 2025 season. Sainz’s dad, Carlos Sainz Sr., was spotted with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko in Bahrain during the pre-season testing. Sainz is without a seat after Ferrari dropped him to sign Lewis Hamilton.
Interestingly, Carlos Sainz served in Red Bull’s junior program with Max Verstappen. But after being denied a promotion despite strong performance in Torro Rosso, Sainz moved to Renault and then McLaren. Perhaps a reunion is on the cards as Red Bull looks for strong replacements for Checo by the end of the 2024 season.
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