Carlos Sainz is the most in-demand driver on the Formula 1 market, with four teams wanting him for 2025. Flattery aside, the Spaniard needs to hurry and make a decision. Not everyone may be willing to wait for him.
While Audi is more than happy to welcome him with open arms – and it’s no secret: the Four Rings brand has been courting him since last year – the same cannot be said for Williams. However, Audi’s problem lies in its somewhat uncertain project: at the moment, there are no prominent technicians attracted by its offer.
After praising Carlos Sainz, James Vowles seems to have changed his mind and is in a hurry to find a new teammate for Alexander Albon. It is now more than certain: Logan Sargeant will leave Formula 1 to start a new adventure in IndyCar with Prema Racing. With a seat left vacant in 2025, the team is willing to fill it with Carlos Sainz. The problem is that Williams is struggling and will continue to do so next year.
Will Carlos Sainz Join Mercedes in 2025?
However, the Madrid native continues to bide his time because Flavio Briatore has entered the fray. The entrepreneur has been a super consultant at Alpine for some time, so he has free rein on almost everything – including team management and driver selection. Flavio Briatore is pursuing the Ferrari driver, but will Carlos Sainz be won over? “I will do everything to get him,” he said. Alpine is slowly reviving, and the former Renault’s project is ambitious: if everything goes according to plan, it could have a Mercedes customer engine for 2026.
Speaking of Mercedes, Toto Wolff does not exclude the Ferrari driver from his options. He has a wide range of choices between Carlos Sainz, the talented Kimi Antonelli, and a certain world champion named Max Verstappen. All have a “33%” chance of joining Mercedes. “With Carlos, you have a certain value, especially in a very competitive championship,” Wolff said a few days ago.
The issue is whether the Spanish driver will be willing to wait a few more months. The Mercedes boss is in no rush, but the Spaniard might be if he doesn’t want to risk being left without a seat.
Where Will Carlos Sainz Go in 2025?
In conclusion, we could use Toto Wolff’s percentages: a 33% chance at Williams, a 33% chance at Alpine, and a 33% chance at Mercedes.
Red Bull is missing from the picture. Although Sergio Pérez is a conundrum, at Milton Keynes they are exploring other avenues by testing the young Liam Lawson and the veteran Daniel Ricciardo because you never know. Checo could be dropped sooner than expected if his performances continue to be disappointing.
The current Ferrari driver is closely watching the situation at Red Bull, especially in light of what Verstappen will do. It is no secret that internal disagreements have created two factions between Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen. The reigning world champion might tire of the atmosphere and end up succumbing to Toto Wolff’s enticements.
Carlos Sainz’s situation is therefore evolving, like in a chess game: move one piece, and all the others will follow.
Source: f1ingenerale
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