Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has mentioned Carlos Sainz as one of the drivers they are considering to replace Sir Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
Hamilton is leaving Mercedes after 11 successful years at the end of the season to fulfill a childhood dream of driving for Ferrari.
He’ll be partnered with Charles Leclerc, therefore replacing Sainz who is now arguably Formula 1’s most lucrative free agent.
The Spaniard’s stock has risen considerably after a fantastic start to 2024, finishing third in Bahrain before missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after undergoing appendicitis.
Remarkably, just two weeks later he was back in the car and winning the Australian Grand Prix, making him the only non-Red Bull driver to taste victory over the last 26 races, a run that stretches back to the 2022 finale.
While has been consistently linked with the upcoming Audi project, the win in Melbourne has made him a real contender for a top team, with both Red Bull and Mercedes having a seat free for next year.
Christian Horner has opened the door for Red Bull to re-sign the 29-year-old, while there were rumours that his management team had already held talks with Mercedes.
Wolff has now seemingly confirmed these reports, stating that Sainz is on their shortlist but reiterating that they will not rush their decision.
‘Those who are available, or who could be interesting for us, all have arguments in their favour,’ the Austrian said.
‘Whether they are very young, whether they are very experienced in their best years… or Carlos.
‘It’s a difficult choice. There are reasons to sign each one.
‘I just want to take a step back and simply monitor the situation. Some of the guys mentioned can sign for other teams and that’s why, right now, I’m just looking at it.’
It is believed that Mercedes would prefer to sign wonderkid Andrea Kimi Antonelli, but have reservations about throwing the 17-year-old straight into the F1 deep end.
As such, they may be inclined to hire an older driver for just a few years until Antonelli is ready, with 42-year-old Fernando Alonso seemingly perfect for that role and the two-time champion has reportedly been in talks with the Silver Arrows.
A move for three-time champion Max Verstappen has also been mooted given the rumours about his future with Red Bull amid the Christian Horner scandal.
For now, Sainz, who is currently fourth in the standings, will be hoping to make it back-to-back victories for the first time in his career when F1 heads to Japan on 7 April.
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