The news of Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari, which recently signed Charles Leclerc to a new multi-year deal, signals the end of Carlos Sainz’s tenure with Scuderia beyond his current Formula 1 contract set to expire in 2024.
Sainz, who desired a secure future before the new season, had anticipated renegotiating terms with Ferrari’s new F1 boss, Fred Vasseur. Despite his strong performance alongside Leclerc in their three years as teammates, talks dragged on, attributed by Vasseur to the chaotic end of the season.
It turns out that Mercedes had a surprise move up its sleeve. Hamilton’s extension with Mercedes until 2025, announced last summer, appears to have been for a fixed one-year term with an exit clause. This clause seems to have been triggered by Ferrari’s approach, leaving Sainz a free agent heading into 2025.
Potential destinations for Sainz include Mercedes, where Hamilton’s departure opens up a seat for 2025. Sainz could aim for a medium-term signing, potentially bridging the gap until Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is ready for Formula 1.
Red Bull is another option, with Sergio Perez’s contract ending in 2024. However, Daniel Ricciardo is waiting in the wings, and his impressive performances make him a likely choice for 2025.
Aston Martin could be an upwardly mobile option, given the uncertainty about Fernando Alonso’s future. Sainz’s career trajectory has oddly mirrored Alonso’s, and partnering with his childhood hero could be emotionally appealing.
Audi’s entry into F1 presents a gamble for Sainz. Sauber drivers are out of contract in 2025, and Sainz could become the leading figure for Audi, representing a major German manufacturer. However, questions linger about Audi’s F1 program, and Sainz might need to weigh the risks against potential rewards.
The recent Dakar Rally victory by Carlos Sainz Sr for Audi adds a romantic element to the potential move, with speculation about resources being redirected from the off-road program to the F1 operation, where Sainz Jr could play a significant role. Sainz has long been linked with a reunion with Andreas Seidl at Audi.
