Carlos Sainz Jr, a Spanish driver for Ferrari, competed in the Formula 1 World Championship at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, on May 19, 2024.
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, is willing to take the risk of losing the signing of Carlos Sainz to Audi in order to evaluate the 2025 Formula 1 driver market. With Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes to pursue a move to Ferrari, the German team is considering options to partner with George Russell next season. Although Wolff prefers to secure Max Verstappen from Red Bull, the Dutch driver is currently under contract and has expressed his intention to stay. Sainz has emerged as one of the top candidates since Ferrari announced that Hamilton will replace him next season. However, Sauber is also interested in signing Sainz to join Nico Hulkenberg for Audi’s debut in 2026. Despite reports that Sainz has until the end of the month to respond to Audi’s offer, Wolff is willing to let another opportunity slip away to take his time in making a decision.
Wolff stated: “I believe Carlos has a place in Formula 1. He has won races for Ferrari in the past two years and has extensive experience.” He also mentioned that he is willing to make concessions and wait to see how the situation unfolds during the summer and fall. Wolff expressed confidence in George Russell as a driver and stated that the decision about his teammate does not need to be made immediately.
In addition to Carlos Sainz, Mercedes also considered their young protege, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, as a potential option for the 2025 seat. Antonelli is currently competing in his first season in Formula 2 and has been testing with Mercedes Formula 1 cars. However, rumors have emerged that Williams requested an exemption from the FIA’s minimum age rules for the 17-year-old Antonelli. However, Wolff is against rushing Antonelli’s Formula 1 debut. He acknowledged Antonelli’s potential and praised his skills, but emphasized the importance of allowing him to continue his development in Formula 2 and deliver results before making the leap to the top of motorsport. Wolff cited George Russell’s success in winning Formula 3 and Formula 2 in his debut year as an example of the benefits of taking a gradual approach. While it is expected that Antonelli will join Formula 1 in the future, Wolff believes it is best not to rush his progression.
