Sainz Jr. on the Mercedes list to replace Hamilton
As it was announced persistently at Alpine, the Spanish driver could finally become George Russell's teammate if we believe Toto Wolff's latest statements.
But where will Carlos Sainz sign? While the places on the 2025 grid are starting to fill up, the Spanish driver is taking his time before deciding on his future, which is disrupting the transfer market. Some teams, such as Audi, Williams, and Alpine, are waiting for his response. Alpine has recently shown interest in the Ferrari driver. This uncertainty puts Sainz in a stressful position, as he still does not have a seat for next year.
« It’s sure that it causes me a bit of stress and gives me time to think. Obviously, from Monday to Thursday, a lot of things happen behind closed doors. There’s a lot of discussion and conversation,” the Spaniard explained last weekend in Silverstone.
Explaining that he was about to make a decision very soon, Sainz seemed to be heading towards Alpine, which was looking for a quality replacement to fill the departure of Esteban Ocon. However, this situation could change with Mercedes, which surprised everyone by reopening the door to the Spanish driver.
Sainz finally at Mercedes?
Interviewed about this potential transfer, Toto Wolff, head of the German team, left doubt hanging and showed openness to discussions: “I don’t want to rush to make a decision, but yes, Carlos is an option. We need more time to decide, but he remains definitely a serious candidate. However, Carlos also has to make a decision in the face of offers from other teams.”
The Spaniard also benefits from a favorable context, with Mercedes’ current performances potentially leading the team to turn to the Ferrari driver instead of their young reserve driver, who has not yet fully convinced. For the former Austrian racing driver, the group of drivers expected to join the team in the future has narrowed down. We want to make a decision that benefits Mercedes over the next five or six years. And even though Kimi and George [Russell] have been part of our junior program for a long time, Carlos’s experience is valuable. Especially in a championship that looks set to be very tight next year. With him, we would have another performing driver capable of helping us to win the constructors’ title if our car is competitive.
« The pilots’ market is currently very dynamic and interesting. Some drivers have more options, and this is also the case for certain teams. As Bernie [Ecclestone] used to say, one can have one opinion last week and another one today », added Toto Wolff. A difficult situation to manage for Mercedes, which must prepare its future as best as possible, forcing it to choose between the experience of Carlos Sainz or the youth of Kimi Antonelli. Toto Wolff also indicated that the young Italian was under a lot of pressure » because of this situation, he who seemed to be in pole position to replace Lewis Hamilton.
According to former German driver Ralf Schumacher, Sainz is the most likely option to be George Russell’s teammate in 2025 at Mercedes. Despite this potential twist, Alpine still seems to have the upper hand in negotiations with Sainz compared to other teams, thanks to the project that Alpine and Flavio Briatore want to put together for 2026, by making Sainz their centerpiece. Unless the French team decides to turn to their reserve drivers, Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, who have recently driven for Alpine. Sainz’s decision could therefore lead to an intense game of musical chairs. Response to follow in the coming weeks.
