February 1st 2024 will go down in Formula One history with the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's surprising move to Ferrari for 2025. In scenes that resembled the announcement of Hamilton's 2014 move from McLaren to Mercedes, Formula One fans across the globe sat in shock as they digested the big news that has seemingly kicked off the 2024 season. Hamilton, himself, has made no secret of his desire to one day drive for the prestigious Scuderia, and, with the Brit reportedly "shopping" around for a change of scenery in 2025, should we be as surprised as we are? Of course, this marks the end of one of the MOST successful partnerships in Formula One between Hamilton and Mercedes. It is, in theory, a very big deal.
But, we find ourselves left with the question as to what will happen to Carlos Sainz - the driver Hamilton will be replacing. With other Ferrari driver; Charles Leclerc, getting an extension to his current contract in recent weeks, there was zero word on Sainz, apart from rumours in the media suggesting that "contract talks had halted," for unknown reasons.
Sainz needn't be overlooked by other teams. With his proven ability to race wheel to wheel, win races, consistently score points and strategise, shouldn't he be on the mind of several team principles up and down the field? Quite possibly he already is. But, with the Sainz family reportedly in talks with Audi, who are set to join the grid as a Sauber rebrand in 2026, this could play a pivotal role as to whether he is racing or on the sidelines in 2025. But of course, in pure motorsport fashion, rumours are already rife as to where the young Spaniard will find himself next.
As a Carlos fan, not knowing his immediate future in Formula One is daunting. But, I don't think this is the end of his nearly decade-long F1 career. With only twenty seats on the grid, and a good percentage of them already locked in for 2025, his options are limited. Limited, but there, despite the fact that many seem to be overlooking his numerous achievements in the sport to date. I will gladly take this moment to remind you that he was the only non-Red Bull winner of 2023.
So, what are his options, I hear you ask? First and foremost there is the seat at Mercedes vacated by Hamilton. A sought after seat in Formula One, many drivers will have their eye on this one. Then, there is Red Bull. With Sergio Perez's seat contract up at the end of this upcoming season, would the Red Bull team be interested in reuniting Sainz with his old Toro Rosso team mate; Verstappen. Or, what about Stake F1 Team? They're the one's being taken over by Audi, after all. But, with plenty of other racing drivers also vying for a Formula One seat, Carlos can be sure that his experience may give him that all important edge.
However, only time will tell and give us an outcome. Maybe his destiny is in another series. Luckily for Sainz he has a whole F1 season to negotiate and make impressions. I'm excited to see what he achieves in 2024. Maybe losing his Ferrari seat is the drive (pun not intended) he needs to, what do they say? "Kick some ass."
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