Carlos Sainz has seemingly refuted reports that he is no longer in the running to replace Sir Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
The Spaniard is without a drive for 2025 after Ferrari opted to sign the seven-time Formula 1 champion to partner Charles Leclerc.
He was quickly linked with taking Hamilton’s old seat with the Silver Arrows, and emerged as one of three frontrunners after a brilliant start to the season that included victory in Australia.
But in the build-up Sky Sports reported that Sainz was no longer in consideration as while the team are content to take their time over deciding who to sign, the driver wants his future sorted for good within the next few weeks.
However, on Thursday, the 29-year-old appeared to suggest that this was not the case, telling the media that ‘had not set himself a deadline’ to decide his future.
He is quoted as saying: ‘I have to be careful, I’m turning 30 this year. Once I make a decision, everything will happen very quickly.’
There is much interest in Sainz but while a shock return to Red Bull has also been touted, it seems more likely that he will join Sauber who are set to become Audi in 2026.
The German manufacturer has long desired to make the three-time grand prix winner their star driver and according to Red Bull chief Helmut Marko they have offered Sainz a big money contract.
If Sainz has been disregarded, Mercedes’ search for Hamilton’s replacement has now come down to two, namely Formula 2 star Andrea Kimi Antonelli and three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen.
Verstappen would be their ‘dream’ signing but it does seem unlikely he’ll leave Red Bull any time soon despite the internal turmoil the team have endured since the turn of the year.
Antonelli is tipped to be the next big thing but there are concerns about throwing him in the deep end and whether or not he’ll be able to qualify for a superlicence given he does not turn 18 until August.
For now, attention turns to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, with Ferrari in a good position to challenge championship leaders Red Bull and Verstappen.
Sainz was slightly more pessimistic about their chances on the famous street circuit, adding: ‘Speeds in slow corners were not our strong point this year, nor was qualifying, which is crucial in Monaco.
‘So my role here is to cool down expectations, but that doesn’t mean we won’t fight for the win!’
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