Carlos Sainz’s aspirations to join Mercedes in Formula 1 for the 2025 season have recently waned.
Carlos Sainz has insisted he is going to give himself as much time as he needs to make a decision on his future despite fading hopes of a Mercedes move for the F1 2025 season.
Sainz remains without a seat for F1 2025 after seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton earlier this year that he is to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract from next season.
Mercedes door closing on Carlos Sainz for F1 2025?
Additional reporting by Sam Cooper and Thomas Maher
Sainz, the Spanish driver, has been rumored to be considering a switch to Mercedes, potentially replacing Hamilton directly. Additionally, Red Bull and Audi are said to be taking over the current Sauber team in F1 2026 and have reportedly offered Sainz a three-year contract.
PlanetF1.com revealed on Wednesday night that Sainz is out of the running to join Mercedes – at least for the time being – with negotiations between the two parties stalling.
Sainz’s eagerness to secure a prompt deal with Mercedes is acknowledged, but the team has chosen to monitor Max Verstappen’s status at Red Bull instead. They are hopeful of recruiting Verstappen, the reigning three-time World Champion, as Hamilton’s replacement.
Key info: F1 2025 driver market
The 10 drivers out of contract at the end of the F1 2024 season
F1 2025 driver line-up: Who is already confirmed for the 2025 grid?
Verstappen’s Red Bull future is uncertain despite having a contract until 2028 and a strong start to the F1 2024 season, where he won five out of seven races. The team’s off-track issues have cast doubt on his future, with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff openly expressing his interest in signing the 26-year-old.
When asked about the possibility of joining Mercedes before the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, Sainz declined to confirm and apologized for not being able to provide any information.
Sainz, about to reach the age of 30 in September, emphasized that he has refrained from establishing any specific timelines for determining his future. He emphasized the importance of making the correct decision during this crucial phase of his career.
In the driver market, he expressed that everyone relies on each other, forming a circular relationship in Formula 1.
“I am still undecided and unsure about my participation in racing next year. I have not established any deadlines either.”
At this critical juncture in my career, I recognize the significance of making the right decision. With multiple options available, I intend to approach each one diligently, considering its potential outcomes. As I approach the age of 30 this year, I am determined to ensure the success of my next project and witness its progress firsthand.
“I will allocate the necessary amount of time for myself.”
When asked about his concerns regarding potential missed opportunities due to delaying his decision, Sainz replied, “Privately, I am aware of more information.”
“Do not fret about the rumors and speculations; I assure you that I will not divulge any information.”
“I will confidently place all my chips on the table and make the correct decision.”
Once I have made up my mind, you can be assured that things will happen swiftly.
“It’s about amalgamating all the necessary components I yearn for in my upcoming [adventure].”
Read next: Early Monaco GP predictions: The favourite, two teams in the mix and a potential dark horse
