Carlos Sainz, the F1 driver who recently admitted that he would not be staying with one of the top teams after being turned down by Mercedes and Red Bull, may have a chance to join Mercedes after all. While Sainz has been considering offers from Alpine, Sauber, and Williams for the next season following his departure from Ferrari, it seems that the Mercedes seat could still be up for grabs.
The current favorite for the Mercedes seat is 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who races in Formula Two and is a protege of the team. However, Antonelli has had a difficult rookie season in F2, struggling with his team’s new generation car. In fact, his teammate Oliver Bearman, a Ferrari youngster, has already been named as a Haas F1 driver for 2025.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had previously stated that the team wanted to focus on young drivers, which is why they passed on Sainz. However, when asked about the driver market recently, Wolff was more cryptic and hinted that things may have changed. He mentioned that the driver market is dynamic and interesting at the moment, with drivers and teams having more options.
Regarding Antonelli’s performance, Wolff acknowledged that it had been a bit tricky for him in F2. The young driver has been under a lot of scrutiny due to his impressive track record in junior formula and go-karting. Wolff praised Antonelli’s attitude and his supportive family, who have an objective assessment of the situation.
Wolff emphasized that swimming in cold water and dealing with pressure is part of becoming a champion. He also highlighted that Antonelli’s career has progressed rapidly, despite him not even having a driver’s license for a road car yet. The ability to cope with scrutiny and pressure is crucial for success in Formula One, as it only becomes more intense as a driver’s career progresses.
With dwindling options in the F1 market, Carlos Sainz may have a renewed chance to join Mercedes next year. The decision will ultimately depend on how Antonelli performs and whether he can handle the pressure. As the driver market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen who will secure the coveted seats in top teams for the 2025 season.