The contract between Carlos Sainz and Ferrari is the key to unlocking the F1 driver market. The seat in Maranello, currently occupied by the Spaniard, could become the most coveted on the grid. Sainz himself would be a prized asset and highly sought after by many teams, considering the other top drivers are seemingly immovable. What chain reaction could unfold in 2025?
If, for the first time in history, the grid remains the same as the previous year, it is unlikely to repeat in 2025. At the end of the next season, a true revolution could occur. Many valuable pieces could move on the Formula 1 chessboard, and it could all start with Carlos Sainz.
Ferrari has yet to officially announce the renewal of Charles Leclerc, but the figures and duration are expected to be top-notch. The situation is different for the Spaniard, who has been linked to other teams on the grid (Sauber-Audi, above all) for months. A potential confirmation at Ferrari could be beneficial for both, considering Carlos Sainz’s good performances. But what if that doesn’t materialize?
With both Mercedes drivers confirmed until the end of 2025, an immovable Max Verstappen, and a soon-to-be-immovable Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz becomes the key player in the market.
Red Bull could also free up a seat by the end of the year, but much will depend on Sergio Perez’s performances. In that case, the replacement seems to be Daniel Ricciardo, with the ghost of Liam Lawson always lurking (not to forget Yuki Tsunoda). In short, Milton Keynes already has an abundance of drivers. Being alongside Verstappen could discourage many.
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The other important piece, as we have reported in another article, is Lando Norris. The Englishman is likely to renew with McLaren, but much will depend on Woking’s performances and those of Oscar Piastri. If he were to part ways with the Papaya team, the doors to Red Bull, which has had its eye on him for a while, and to Maranello, could swing open for him.
The chain reaction could involve the entire grid: Esteban Ocon could leave Alpine for Sauber-Audi, Alexander Albon might seize the opportunity to seek a better seat, leaving a spot open at Williams, which seems to already have the name of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, be it in one or two years. It’s fantasy market speculation, for sure, but 2025 is much closer than one might think.
Source: f1ingenerale
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