F1 Driver market: the intertwined future of Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman and Nico Hulkenberg. The intertwined future of Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman and Nico Hulkenberg.

In the Formula 1 driver market, Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman, and Nico Hulkenberg are linked in their future. The destination of one depends on the decisions of the others, starting with the Spaniard. Exiting Ferrari at the end of 2024, Carlos Sainz will have to decide whether to aim for a luxury seat – likely Mercedes, but also Aston Martin – or try his luck with Audi. A decision that will impact the futures of the other two.

Carlos Sainz will be the pivot of the upcoming driver market. The Spaniard has already hinted that a decision will need to be made in the near future, perhaps in response to pressure from Audi. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer, which will make its official entry into the Circus in 2026, is in search of a pioneer in the first – likely challenging – years in Formula 1.

However, Mercedes also seems to have swooped in on the Ferrari driver, rumored to be ready to seal a deal in the coming weeks. Aston Martin remains on standby, especially in relation to the potential departure (or renewal) of Fernando Alonso. If Carlos Sainz were to choose one of the two English destinations, Audi would have to shift its focus to someone else, and in that case, Nico Hulkenberg seems to be the first choice.

The German driver is now in the final stages of a career as long as it is unlucky. Never on the podium despite considerable driving abilities, he could be looking for one last adventure in the Circus. Audi would be the ideal destination, with the Four Rings having a German on a German car, perhaps alongside another veteran (Valtteri Bottas) or a young promise.

At this point, a spot would open up at Haas for Oliver Bearman. The young driver, already scoring points this year in Jeddah, is a protege of Ferrari and, perhaps part of a power unit supply agreement, could join the American team. This hypothesis is supported by Ralph Schumacher, who, speaking to Sky Germany, described Gene Haas’ team as “perfect for a young driver, but unsuitable for someone like Hulkenberg.”

In this chain of exchanges, however, variables abound. Everything will be set in motion by Carlos Sainz’s decision, a highly prized piece of this intricate mosaic. All that remains is to wait.

Source: f1ingenerale