Sainz Re-Emerges Candidate For Mercedes Seat After Wolff's Latest Statements

Friday, 05 July 2024 at 12:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's latest statements put Sainz back into the equation for the second seat in 2025.

Coming into the 12th round of the 2024 season (halfway), Carlos Sainz still hasn't officially decided where he wants to drive in 2025.

At this point, it seemed like his only remaining options were Alpine, Sauber, or Williams—all the teams in which he would most probably not be able to compete even for podiums in 2025.

However, in one of his most recent interviews, team principal Toto Wolff suggested he still hasn't completely ruled out the 29-year-old Ferrari driver in his decision-making process regarding the second seat in Mercedes for 2025. He told Mundo Deportivo:

"There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that. I think we have narrowed down the pool of drivers we want to work with in the future. And we want to make a decision in favour of what Mercedes can have in the next five-to-six years."

"And Kimi and George have been our junior drivers for a long time and I would like to stay true to the programme."

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli is currently racing in F2, and Wolff made it clear he wants the 17-year-old driver in F1 very soon. It was also understood that the youngster was number one on Wolff's list if Max Verstappen decided to stay at Red Bull.

"That said, with Carlos, you have a sure value, especially in a very tight championship next year, you have another driver who is going to be very competitive, who, if our car is good, could help us secure a fight for the Constructors' Championship."

There are some pros and cons with every single driver, and what is positive for the Spaniard is that the Mercedes team principal sees quite a few pros when it comes to having him on the German team.

"With Carlos, you have a safe bet. There are certainly many arguments in favour. That is why I also want to take my time with the decision and keep all options open as long as possible."

"And when I spoke to Carlos I already told him: 'I am not sure you can wait as long as I would like you to wait.'"

When the 52-year-old was further pressed on whether Sainz is still a real possibility- an option that he is actively considering, he added:

"I don't want to make a decision quickly. But yes, he is. If we have more time to decide, Carlos is definitely still a chance, but Carlos needs to make a decision on what he does with the other teams."