P1racenews AI automatic summary:
What next for Sainz after Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 switch bombshell?
The news of Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari means that there is no room for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari beyond his current 2024 deal. Sainz had expressed his desire to secure his future before the start of the new season so that he could focus on his performance. Despite performing well alongside Charles Leclerc, negotiations for a contract extension with Ferrari were delayed. It has now been revealed that Ferrari was considering another option, which turned out to be Hamilton.
As a result, Sainz will be a free agent in 2025 when many seats will be available, but options at Haas, Red Bull, Williams, and Alpine may not be as appealing. The vacant seat at Mercedes could be a strong possibility for Sainz, allowing him to continue competing for a top manufacturer team. Sainz has proven himself against Leclerc and would likely believe he can perform well alongside potential teammate George Russell.
As Mercedes and Sainz assess their options, the performances of Mercedes in the early races of 2024 will provide insight into their competitiveness against Red Bull. Sainz could be seen as a medium-term signing for Mercedes, especially considering the talent of their junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Ultimately, the decision will depend on how Mercedes addresses their ground-effects performance and whether they can challenge Red Bull for the championship.
