P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz has said that he wants to “speed up” talks regarding his Formula 1 future in 2025 amid fresh
Carlos Sainz expressed his desire to renew his contract with Ferrari, but his hopes were shattered when Lewis Hamilton signed with the team just before the season started. Initially, Sainz mentioned he was not in a hurry to finalize his plans during preseason, but now he acknowledges that discussions need to intensify. While there were talks of Sainz returning to Red Bull, it seems Sergio Perez is likely to secure an extension, and Fernando Alonso has already extended his contract with Aston Martin. Toto Wolff of Mercedes mentioned Sainz as a potential replacement for Hamilton on a shortlist that includes Max Verstappen. Sainz’s outstanding performance, with three podium finishes in three races, has raised his chances of securing a seat at Mercedes, potentially alongside George Russell. There are reports that Mercedes sees Sainz as a suitable short-term option, although negotiations may be complicated if Sainz insists on a guaranteed two-year contract starting in 2025. If a compromise cannot be reached, Sainz’s only remaining options would be Sauber, later transforming into Audi in 2026, or Williams.
