Sainz to Mercedes for 2025 all but signed – report

According to reports, Sainz to Mercedes for 2025 is a done deal and all but signed. Just as Fernando Alonso called a move from Aston Martin to Mercedes ‘not attractive’, reports have now ramped-up linking Sainz to Mercedes for 2025. Somewhat ironically, this is the seat vacated by his own replacement at Ferrari next year, Lewis Hamilton.

SAINZ TO MERCEDES FOR 2025

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in Australia. Image: X/Scuderia Ferrari

“Although speculation is the order of the day, the latest leaks from the paddock indicate that Carlos is close to signing for Mercedes. In recent hours, information has emerged pointing to a fairly imminent announcement, in the coming weeks, of Mercedes’ agreement with the Spaniard,” reports Diario Sport journalist, Laura Lopez Albiac.

Audi-owned Sauber appears to be the 29-year-old’s only real fall-back option, despite Red Bull figures insisting Sainz will be considered as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez. However, it is believed only Christian Horner is advocating for Sainz, with Dr Helmut Marko on the opposing side of Red Bull’s ongoing power struggle, preferring a simple one-year deal for Perez.

RED BULL NO-GO

A move to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull looks dead in the water. Image: Red Bull Content Pool

“It’s difficult for Sergio to fight with Max, but that one-two at Suzuka speaks volumes. I think they are happy with everything as it is. They do not need a second Max Verstappen in the team,” said former F1 driver Vitaly Petrov.

According to another former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher, Horner sees Sainz as a good signing from the perspective that it protects the team from losing Verstappen. “Carlos is used to sitting next to strong drivers. And Verstappen’s time there will also come to an end eventually. Carlos knows this. He believes he can beat him,” said Schumacher to Sky Deutschland.

Former F1 engineer Kees van de Grint, however, told Viaplay: “Perez will stay. He’s not the best, but he’s one of the better drivers, whilst Verstappen is in a class of his own. A potential problem for Sainz at Mercedes, however, is that Toto Wolff is clearly grooming F2 teenager Kimi Antonelli for an eventual race seat. This will therefore limit the potential length of his contract,” said the dutchman. – with GMM

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