Mercedes Driver Search Heats Up: Sainz Out, Antonelli a Frontrunner

The hunt for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 season has taken a new turn, with Carlos Sainz Jr. reportedly no longer in the running, according to Sky Sports.

Talks Held, Deal Not Reached

Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater revealed that discussions between Sainz and Mercedes “have already been had,” but the two parties couldn’t reach an agreement. This news adds another layer of complexity to Mercedes’ driver search following Hamilton’s announced departure at the end of 2024.

Mercedes Weighs Options

With Sainz off the table, Mercedes seems to be focusing on two main contenders:

Max Verstappen: Signing the reigning World Champion from Red Bull would be a game-changer for Mercedes. However, Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, making a move unlikely unless a significant buyout clause comes into play.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: This young prodigy is a rising star in junior formulas and a part of the Mercedes driver development program. While he lacks Formula One experience, his talent is undeniable, making him a potential long-term solution.

Sainz Seeks Stability, Red Bull a Possibility

With Mercedes out of the picture, Sainz appears content to remain at Ferrari and focus on challenging for the 2024 title alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. However, a door might still be open at Red Bull.

Red Bull's Driver Conundrum

Sergio Perez’s inconsistent performances and Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles have cast doubt over Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2025. Slater suggests Sainz is holding out for a potential seat at Red Bull, despite receiving a lucrative offer from the Sauber-Audi project.

Red Bull's Internal Dynamics

Slater also highlights a shift in power within Red Bull, with Christian Horner now seemingly holding more sway over driver decisions compared to Helmut Marko. This could benefit Perez, who has consistently supported Horner. While Verstappen’s future at Red Bull seems secure, the other seat remains up for grabs. Slater predicts that Perez might retain his position based on his loyalty to the team management.

The Driver Market Heats Up

With Sainz out of the Mercedes picture, the 2025 driver market becomes even more intriguing. Will Mercedes gamble on the young talent of Antonelli? Will Red Bull stick with Perez, or will Sainz find a way in? Formula One fans can expect some exciting developments in the coming months as teams solidify their driver lineups for the next chapter.