Carlos Sainz has said that he wants to “speed up” talks regarding his Formula 1 future in 2025 amid fresh rumours linking him with the vacant position at Mercedes.
Sainz had been vocal about wanting to renew his Ferrari deal, but that was dashed on the eve of the season as the marque announced it had signed Lewis Hamilton.
The Spaniard had commented that he was in no rush to resolve his plans in pre-season; however, he has now retracted that and admitted discussions must ramp up.
Sainz has been linked with a Red Bull return but Sergio Perez is poised to earn an extension, while Fernando Alonso has inked a multi-term renewal with Aston Martin.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had mentioned Sainz’s name on a four-person shortlist that Max Verstappen heads as credible options to replace Ferrari-bound Hamilton.
Asked about his future in the build-up to the Japanese Grand Prix, Sainz said: “I mean, talking obviously to a few because that’s what my management team and myself should do when I don’t have a job for next year yet. So, yeah, talking, we’re talking to pretty much all of them.
“It’s just a matter of obviously going more into detail and seeing the more realistic options and what are the best options for me and for my future, which I don’t have any news for you or nothing to say here today. The only thing I would say is that, yeah, obviously it’s time now to speed up a bit everything and hopefully we can get it sorted sooner rather than later.”
Sainz has boosted his chances of landing the remaining top seat on the grid with Mercedes as he has landed three podiums from the three races he has competed in.
The Italian media has since reported that both Sainz and Mercedes are interested in sealing a move that would see the Spaniard partner George Russell next season.
According to Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica, Mercedes considers Sainz to be the most suitable short-term option and would be prepared to offer a one-plus-one deal.
This would ensure that the German marque retains freedom when it comes to the driver market in the event that Verstappen’s services become available from Red Bull.
But the likeliest reason is that it stands Mercedes in good stead to usher protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is competing in Formula 2, through to the works outfit.
However, it is also reported that Sainz would not be prepared to accept the conditions proposed from Mercedes and would want a guaranteed two seasons from 2025.
Unless the two parties can reach a compromise in negotiations, Sainz’s sole remaining options would be Sauber ahead of its evolution into Audi in 2026 and Williams.
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