P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz’s camp held discussions with Mercedes over its vacant Formula 1 seat for 2025 last weekend in Saudi Arabia,
Carlos Sainz expressed his desire to stay at Ferrari but was left without a drive due to Ferrari’s surprising signing of Lewis Hamilton. Speculation suggests he may join the Sauber team which will become a works Audi outfit in 2026. Sauber’s representative hinted at Sainz being a target for the team’s future Audi project. Despite Sauber’s rough start to the season, Sainz is considered for a Mercedes seat, the most competitive available, with talks held between his team and Mercedes. Fernando Alonso is also mentioned as a contender for Hamilton’s seat, with rumors circulating about Max Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull. Mercedes’ focus remains on improving their car before considering driver changes.
