In a surprising twist, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has backtracked on his previous stance regarding Carlos Sainz’s potential to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Just days after signaling a preference for Mercedes F2 driver Kimi Antonelli, Wolff has now indicated that Sainz is firmly on Mercedes’ radar for the coveted seat alongside George Russell.
The dramatic shift follows Lewis Hamilton’s announcement of his impending switch to Ferrari, which has thrown the driver market into a frenzy. With rumors swirling and speculation mounting, Wolff’s latest comments have only added to the intrigue surrounding Mercedes’ future lineup.
Wolff’s original plan seemed clear: to promote the promising Antonelli to the main team. However, the young driver’s inconsistent performances in F2 have cast doubt on his readiness for such a high-profile role. This has led Wolff to reconsider other options, including Sainz, who has demonstrated consistent performance and reliability in Formula 1.
The situation is further complicated by Wolff’s previous expression of interest in Red Bull’s star driver, Max Verstappen. Despite internal tensions at Red Bull, Verstappen has shown little interest in moving to Mercedes, leaving the Silver Arrows to explore other avenues.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Wolff elaborated on Mercedes’ long-term strategy. He emphasized the importance of making decisions that would benefit the team over the next five to six years, mentioning the loyalty to their junior drivers, Antonelli and Russell. Nevertheless, Wolff acknowledged that Sainz presents a strong case for inclusion in Mercedes’ future plans.
“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,” Wolff stated. “And we want to make a decision in favor 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 program.”
Sainz’s name emerging from this pool is significant. Wolff highlighted the Spaniard’s potential to deliver strong performances, especially in a closely contested championship. “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,” he remarked.
This pragmatic approach underscores Wolff’s strategic thinking as he weighs the benefits of experience against the potential of nurturing young talent. “With Carlos, you have a safe bet. There are certainly many arguments in favor,” Wolff continued. “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. I don’t want to make a decision quickly.’”
The cautious tone reflects the high stakes involved in choosing a successor to Hamilton. While Wolff keeps his options open, he acknowledges that Sainz remains a strong candidate. “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,” Wolff concluded.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the speculation surrounding Mercedes’ next move will only intensify. With Hamilton’s departure setting the stage for a major reshuffle, Toto Wolff’s eventual decision will be crucial in shaping the team’s future and maintaining its competitive edge in Formula 1. Carlos Sainz’s potential inclusion could bring a blend of experience and stability to Mercedes, promising an exciting chapter ahead for the Silver Arrows.
