Mercedes hints at potential lineup changes as Toto Wolff keeps the door open for Carlos Sainz to possibly take over Lewis Hamilton’s seat in 2025.
Carlos Sainz is suddenly back in the race to become Lewis Hamilton’s successor at Mercedes F1 next year.
Earlier, team boss Toto Wolff had ruled out the Ferrari driver for 2025 because he was keeping the seat open until November in case Max Verstappen suddenly decided to leave Red Bull.
It’s a no-risk strategy for Mercedes, given that Wolff’s clear “Plan B” is to allow his own 17-year-old protégé, Kimi Antonelli, to make his Formula 1 debut next year.
“I would have liked to choose Carlos,” Wolff admitted earlier this week, “because he is very underrated and he works hard. But I don’t think he can wait as long as we should, because we might not make a decision until November.”
And now, ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Wolff is not completely ruling out the Spaniard.
“Kimi and George (Russell) have been our junior drivers for a long time and I would like to stay true to the programme.”
“That said, with Carlos, we would have a safe bet, especially in a very tight championship next year. If our car is good, having another driver who will definitely be very competitive would be a help.”
“There are certainly many arguments in his favour. So yes, Carlos is an option. If we have more time to decide, Carlos is certainly still an opportunity.”
“Of course, he has to make his decision based on what he’s doing with other teams but I see that for now he’s just delaying his decision, like us! Maybe our timings will align.”
George Russell reacted to these comments about the possible arrival of Carlos Sainz.
“Yes, I’m open to everyone to be honest. You know, I’ve been lucky to have Lewis these last three years and we’ve had some great battles these last two years. But you know, as a driver, I think it’s important to have a good relationship between the two of you, just to help the team keep its momentum and go in the same direction.”
“But in the end, and when you walk into your garage, you put on your helmet, you jump in your car. It doesn’t matter who’s sitting next to you. Whether it’s Carlos, Max, Kimi, or another, it changes nothing for me.”
Mercedes Contemplates Sainz for 2025, Wolff Hints. Mercedes Contemplates Sainz for 2025, Wolff Hints
- You may also like>Williams F1 Concedes Setback in Development Race
- Following us on>Facebook and>Twitter
