Carlos Sainz Gets Closer To Mercedes For The 2025 Season

Carlos Sainz, potentially eyed by Mercdes next year. (photo; x @Carlossainz55)

JAKARTA - The latest news from the world of Formula 1 indicates that Carlos Sainz could immediately sign a contract to join the Mercedes team in the 2025 season. This speculation comes after Fernando Alonso said that moving from Aston Martin to Mercedes was "unattractive", while rumors attributed Sainz to a seat to be left by his successor at Ferrari next year - Lewis Hamilton.

According to journalist Diario Sport's Laura Lopez Albiac report, "Although speculation is a common thing, the latest leak from the paddock indicates that Carlos could approach an agreement with Mercedes. In recent hours, information has emerged showing quite an announcement - in the coming weeks - regarding the deal with this Spaniard."

The Sauber that Audi has seems to be another option for the 29-year-old, although Red Bull figures insist Sainz will be considered as a potential substitute for Sergio Perez.

However, it is believed that only Christian Horner advocates for Sainz, where Dr. Helmut Marko - on the opposite side of the ongoing power dispute at Red Bull - prefers another year's contract to Perez.

"It was difficult for Sergio to compete with Max," said former F1 racer Vitaly Petrov, "but the one-two win at Suzuka is very speaking. I think they are satisfied with everything as it is. They don't need a second Max Verstappen," added Petrov.

According to another former F1 racer, Ralf Schumacher, sees Sainz's rumors as a good sign from a team protection point of view from the possibility of losing Verstappen.

"Carlos is used to sitting next to a strong racer," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. "And Verstappen's time there will also end someday. Carlos knows this. He believes he can beat him."

However, former F1 engineer Kees van de Grint told Viaplay: "Perez will stay. He's not the best, but he's one of the best riders, while Verstappen is in his own class."

The potential problem for Sainz at Mercedes, however, is that Toto Wolff is clearly preparing teenage Kimi Antonelli for an event race chair - thereby limiting the potential duration of the contract.

While former F1 racer Giedo van der Garde encouraged Sainz to be patient. "Of course he will talk to everyone," said Van der Garde, "But if I were him, I would wait and see. If there was an option to get into the best car, Red Bull, that's good. But as long as Max is there, Sainz won't be there."