Sainz Out of Mercedes Equation for 2025 as Team Eyes Verstappen and Antonelli

Carlos Sainz will not be moving to Mercedes: “That discussion is already in the past”

Carlos Sainz is out of consideration for a spot on the Mercedes team in 2025, as reported by a Sky journalist.

Craig Slater, a reporter for Sky Sports News, has stated that Carlos Sainz is no longer being considered for a position at Mercedes.

Mercedes has not yet made a decision on who will team up with George Russell in 2025 following the unexpected exit of Lewis Hamilton.

Toto Wolff has openly expressed his interest in securing Max Verstappen, while it is widely believed that his protégé, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, is the preferred alternative.

Sainz continues to be a potential choice, as the Spanish driver has not yet made a commitment to Audi, who are highly interested.

Slater clarified that Sainz does not fit as a choice for Mercedes due to a notable discrepancy regarding the timeframe each side wishes to finalize an agreement.

"Slater shed light on the reason Carlos Sainz is not moving to Mercedes, mentioning that discussions have taken place. However, the timeline Mercedes has in mind for finalizing their decision does not align with Sainz's own schedule. Sainz is looking to have his contract issues resolved in the coming weeks, not months, according to Slater."

Regarding Mercedes, Slater is optimistic that Antonelli will be the choice if Verstappen remains in his current position, which is what he anticipates.

"He added that if Mercedes fails to secure Verstappen, it's believed that Kimi Antonelli is poised to take the spot next year. This implies that other drivers previously considered, such as Sebastian Vettel, Esteban Ocon, and Valtteri Bottas, are likely out of the running. Despite only turning 18 in August, there's a chance Kimi Antonelli could make his Formula 1 debut this year, highlighting his potential.

"Nonetheless, should Mercedes fail to secure Verstappen, he may end up partnering with George Russell for the 2025 season. This decision likely won't be finalized until either August or September."

Sainz could still consider Red Bull as a possibility, especially since Perez has had moments of underwhelming performance in several races, and Daniel Ricciardo is still facing difficulties.

Evaluating the Red Bull scenario, Slater mentioned, "It appears we must trust Max Verstappen's statement that he intends to remain with the team until 2028. That's his declaration, so I'll hold him to it. And the second seat? Could Sergio Perez be at risk?

"The underlying factor for Carlos Sainz not taking up the lucrative contract from Sauber-Audi stems from his anticipation for a spot at Red Bull. However, the indications from Red Bull regarding his position have been fluctuating, leaving the situation uncertain.

"Curiously, it has come to my attention that Sainz's camp is no longer focusing on Helmut Marko but has shifted their attention to Christian Horner. This shift could potentially be beneficial for Perez. Throughout his challenges, Perez has stood by Christian Horner. Were I pressed to choose who should take the seat next to Verstappen, my pick would undoubtedly be Perez."

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