Carlos Sainz opens up about Mercedes talks: Who is the next F1 star in 2025?
The Formula 1 driver market is heating up as the 2025 season approaches, with Carlos Sainz at the center of intense speculation about his future. In a recent interview on the High Performance podcast, the Williams driver broke his silence on negotiations with Mercedes, shedding light on the discussions that took place after Ferrari confirmed his departure. While Sainz revealed he is a serious contender to replace Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows, he admitted that the talks never came close to coming to fruition. With the 2026 regulatory review looming and teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Aston Martin vying for top talent, Sainz’s comments have sparked fresh intrigue about his next move and the broader F1 driving landscape.
Sainz’s journey to Williams was anything but straightforward. After Ferrari announced that Lewis Hamilton would join Charles Leclerc for 2025, Sainz found himself searching for a new team. Mercedes, eager to fill the void left by Hamilton’s departure, engaged in extensive discussions with the Spaniard. “We spoke a lot with Toto [Wolff] and everyone else, and definitely, I was one of the options they were considering,” Sainz shared, offering a rare glimpse into the negotiations. However, when pressed on how close he came to securing the seat, he deflected with a smile, saying, “How close was I? You can ask Toto.” This cryptic response fueled speculation that while Mercedes viewed Sainz as a strong candidate, other factors—such as their pursuit of Max Verstappen or Andrea Kimi Antonelli—were drawing their attention.
Mercedes’ interest in Sainz was no secret. Posts on X from mid-2024 highlighted the team’s discussions with the Spaniard, noting that Mercedes sought a flexible one-year deal, while Sainz pushed for a long-term commitment of at least two years with an optional third. The sticking point, according to sources, was Mercedes’ desire to keep their options open for Verstappen, whose Red Bull contract includes a performance-based release clause, or Antonelli, their highly touted junior driver. Sainz, unwilling to wait until the fall for a decision, opted for a multi-year deal with Williams, a team showing promise under James Vowles. This move, while strategic, hasn’t dampened speculation about Sainz’s long-term ambitions, especially with the 2026 season promising a seismic shift in F1’s competitive order.
The 2026 regulations, with new chassis designs, a 50% electrified power unit, and active aerodynamics, are set to reshape the grid. Mercedes is widely expected to lead the engine race, giving them a strong field for top drivers like Sainz or Verstappen. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s new Powertrains division faces uncertainty, and Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda and Adrian Newey’s expertise make them a dark horse. Sainz, who has demonstrated his consistency with 29 podiums and three wins in his career, remains a sought-after asset. His 2024 season with Ferrari, where he secured a win in Australia and finished seventh in the drivers’ championship, highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure. However, his move to Williams—a team struggling to emerge from the midfield—raises questions about whether he is positioning himself for a bigger move in 2027.
Sainz’s comments also reflect the broader volatility in the F1 driver market. Posts about X from July 2025 highlight the frenzy surrounding his future a year ago, with Mercedes, Alpine, and Sauber (now Audi) all linked to the Spaniard. His decision to join Williams was seen as a calculated gamble, banking on the team’s upward trajectory and his ability to lead them to the front. However, Mercedes’ discussions reveal just how close they came to a dream move with a championship-containment team. Toto Wolff’s strategy of prioritizing flexibility suggests Mercedes is playing the long game, potentially eyeing Verstappen if Red Bull falters or Antonelli if he proves ready for the big stage.
For now, Sainz appears content at Williams, where he has partnered with Alex Albon to spearhead the team’s resurgence. However, his candid remarks about the Mercedes negotiations suggest unfinished business. As the 2025 season unfolds and teams prepare for the 2026 reset, Sainz’s performances and Williams’ progress will be closely watched. Could a strong campaign lift him back into contention for a top seat? Or will he remain a key figure in Williams’ rebuild? One thing is certain: Sainz’s next chapter promises to keep F1 fans on the edge of their seats, as the sport’s biggest names jostle for position in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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