The only true alternative for Ferrari to Carlos Sainz’s renewal in F1. After a stagnant 2023-24 market, which led to the confirmation of every driver on the grid, the next season will almost certainly bring the first movements in view of 2025 and 2026. Many contracts are expiring, including those of the two Ferrari drivers. While Charles Leclerc’s renewal – a priority for Maranello – seems a done deal, Carlos Sainz is still on the fence.
Moving pieces on the Ferrari chessboard is always a complicated matter. If the reorganization of the Maranello team is proceeding according to Frédéric Vasseur’s plans, when it comes to drivers, even more caution is required. Leading the two Red cars are the true “faces” of the team, the most direct link created with the fans. It is one of the reasons driving for Ferrari is a matter of prestige.
It is established that Fred Vasseur’s priority was to finalize the renewal with Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque is the beating heart of Maranello, losing him would be out of the question. With Carlos Sainz, the perspective seems different: Ferrari recognizes the value of the Spaniard, but this must be balanced with the driver’s expectations. If the demands do not meet, the Scuderia could look for alternatives.
Carlos Sainz’s Experience
But what are these alternatives? Replacing a driver like Carlos Sainz is not simple. The Spaniard has collected 17 podiums in three seasons with Ferrari, scoring two victories, including the unique one in Singapore in 2023 not with Red Bull. Leaving aside performance comparisons with Charles Leclerc, which are often subjective, the only established truth is that Carlos Sainz is, in every respect, a good driver.
In the already exaggerated scale of driving ability to race in Formula 1, being a “good driver” is not trivial. The alternative to the Spaniard, therefore, should be a driver who approaches that prestigious range. This rules out a priori, but it is needless to say, a good portion of contracts expiring at the end of 2024. Who remains in contention for that hypothetical seat in red?
It’s regrettable to overlook names like Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo, once solid candidates for Maranello. It’s unnecessary to mention Yuki Tsunoda or the two Alpine drivers, all three far from the ideal profile to pair with Charles Leclerc. Two alternatives remain: one is Lando Norris, whose contract, however, expires only in 2025 and, besides being central to the McLaren project, also has the interest of Red Bull.
Therefore, there’s Alexander Albon. The Thai driver has been linked to the Maranello’s name for months, and he himself has not denied a certain satisfaction in being the subject of these market rumors. Freeing himself from Williams would not be difficult by 2025, the former Red Bull is eager to prove his worth again. Yet, it’s a name that still feels like a gamble.
A Matter of Perspectives
What is almost never taken into consideration in these affairs is the perspective of the drivers. If Carlos Sainz were to leave Ferrari, where could he land? Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren (at least in 2025), and Aston Martin are out of the question. We are talking about the Top 5 of the last World Championship, along with his current team.
Source: f1ingenerale
