Carlos Sainz is poised for a pivotal move, potentially filling the gap left by Sergio Perez in F1.
The transfer market remains a hot topic of discussion in the Hungaroring paddock.
Although the announcement has not been made, Esteban Ocon is expected to be confirmed at Haas F1 next week, ahead of the Belgian GP, the last before Formula 1’s summer break.
But the linchpin of the market, Carlos Sainz, continues to test the patience of several teams he is considering for his post-Ferrari career, and has also frustrated many other drivers who are still awaiting his decision.
“Of course, it’s a factor,” said Valtteri Bottas when asked about the delay caused by Sainz.
“But it won’t last forever. I don’t think all teams are prepared to wait very long for Sainz. Many have set deadlines at the break to make their decisions and to activate or not their plans.”
Sainz is taking as much time to decide between the solid offers from Sauber-Audi, Williams, and Alpine because he is also waiting for the possibility of a seat at Mercedes F1 or, surprisingly, at Red Bull.
Indeed, Sergio Perez is increasingly on the verge of being ousted, and the arrival of the Spaniard is no longer to be ruled out as the Austrian team begins to struggle with the performance of its car.
Similarly, it has been learned that Dr. Marko has agreed to remove his departure clause in his contract, which would have allowed Max Verstappen to leave (read here). In this case, Toto Wolff might have to rule out Verstappen for at least 2025 and turn to Kimi Antonelli or Sainz.
“It’s a complex decision,” admits Sainz today.
“I have the offers on the table, but I also have the last-minute rumours you know about (at Red Bull).”
“So I need more time, more than people hoped, to see if things move, to analyse the market, the teams, and the personnel.”
“I haven’t done it yet, and I don’t know if it will happen before the summer break. I know I have teams waiting, and I thank them for their patience, but I must also be entitled to this patience.”
Sainz denies that the late offer from Alpine’s new advisor, Flavio Briatore, caused the latest delay.
“From the beginning, all teams that did not have confirmed drivers were an option, so Alpine was there too. They didn’t come in at the last minute with an offer even though it has indeed changed, that’s true.”
Note that if Sainz signs with Red Bull for 2025, it means that the Austrian team would need to keep Perez in place for 12 more races or change him for only half a season. Daniel Ricciardo might accept such a deal, Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson more reluctantly…
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Sainz Eyes Last-Minute F1 Deal with Red Bull Mercedes Sainz Eyes Last-Minute F1 Deal with Red Bull Mercedes
