Carlos Sainz has revealed he was “not really” close to joining Mercedes for 2025, after failed talks with the team that ultimately saw him sign for Formula 1 rivals Williams.
The Spaniard was forced onto the driver market before the 2024 season had even begun, with the revelation that previous employers Ferrari had signed Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
A number of options spun its way through the rumour mill, as deals with Sauber – to become Audi – and Alpine were mooted.
But Sainz would eventually choose Williams, signing a multi-year deal with the Grove-based squad.
However, before choosing the Mercedes customer outfit, Sainz had held discussions with the works team, and its boss Toto Wolff, about potentially joining in what would have effecitvely been a straight swap with Hamilton.
On the High Performance Podcast, Sainz was asked if was close to securing a contract with Wolff, he replied: “Not really.
“We spoke a lot with Toto and everyone else at the time and I was certainly one of the options that was considered.
“But how close was I? You can ask Toto that.
“But I think he is very happy with Kimi Antonelli.”
Does Sainz regret deciding against Audi move amid Williams ‘frustration’?
Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has theorised that perhaps Sainz ought to have signed for Sauber, with the Audi project in mind.
Speaking on ‘The Red Flags Podcast’, Steiner is asked during its ‘Gas or Brake’ [yes or no] segment whether Sainz regrets signing for Williams.
“Gas,” he said. “But, not only because of the performance, [but] also because he was driving at Ferrari when Mattia [Binotto, Sauber/Audi COO] was there.
“And I think he, in general, is not having a good experience in the moment at Williams.
“I mean, he’s struggling a lot, and Carlos is a very good driver.
“So they had a very good beginning of the year, but mainly with Albon and not with Carlos. Carlos never had any really good results.
“So, obviously, a little bit of frustration will have set in. And thinking back, I said, I should have gone with Audi. But hey, you make the decision, you live by your choices.”
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