The world of F1 was shocked when Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari in 2025, joining the sport’s most successful team with the current greatest F1 driver, the seven-time world champion. This news, revealed on February 1st, left Carlos Sainz, one of the most sought-after drivers in F1, without a job. As a result, Mercedes, another top team, now needs to find a driver to partner with George Russell from next year, as they look to replace Hamilton, who is heading to Ferrari.
Furthermore, several drivers currently on the F1 grid have contracts expiring at the end of this season. This includes Sergio Perez from Red Bull, as well as Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo from VCARB. Sainz, at 29 years old, has an uncertain future but reportedly has several options available to him. These options include a possible switch from Ferrari to Mercedes, links with Audi, a potential move to Aston Martin, or even a return to Red Bull.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, confirmed the ongoing speculations about Sainz’s future. In his post-Japanese Grand Prix column on Speedweek, owned by Red Bull, Marko acknowledged that transfer rumors started early this year due to various factors. He mentioned Hamilton’s early announcement, Audi’s desire for a quick decision from Sainz, and pressure from Aston Martin. However, Marko made it clear that Red Bull Racing will not be part of these discussions and will only reveal their personnel plans mid-season.
This development suggests a change in approach by Marko, who was previously known for his ruthless decision-making. This change is evident in his handling of drivers like Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, and Nyck de Vries. It also highlights the influence and respect that Ricciardo holds within the Red Bull organization and the Formula 1 community as a whole.
