F1 Rumor: Sainz Jr. not confirming rumors of Mercedes rejection
(GMM) Carlos Sainz Jr. is staying quiet amid new swirling rumors that Mercedes has definitely turned him down for 2025 – and that he may be in advanced talks with Williams.
“I can’t confirm it,” said the departing Ferrari driver in Monaco when asked specifically about the reported rejection by Mercedes.
Sainz said a week ago in Imola that the driver ‘silly season’ – in which he is a major player this year – is actually at a standstill for the moment.
“I think everyone depends on everyone,” said the Spaniard, who it seems has a major and lucrative offer on the table from Audi-owned Sauber.
“But I can say that once I make a decision, everything else will happen very quickly.”
Also waiting for the situation to develop are a string of rival drivers – including the Alpine duo, the current Sauber duo, Kevin Magnussen, rookie Kimi Antonelli, Yuki Tsunoda and others.
“As I’ve always said, if you do a good job on track there should be nothing stopping you in the future,” said Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who like Antonelli is also managed by Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. “So we will see.”
Valtteri Bottas, who like Sainz is linked with Williams, said when asked if his situation has developed since Imola: “Unfortunately, no.
“I haven’t signed anywhere at the moment,” the Finn added. “Hopefully it will be in the coming weeks. I’m confident – no panic.”
Bottas, 34, was spotted exiting the Williams motorhome at Imola, joking that it was because he had run out of coffee.
“I would say that we are not talking to just one team,” he revealed. “Which is good. I have a clear priority, and I’m not saying what it is, but I do have one.”
Kevin Magnussen, meanwhile, admits that a slight slump in form and some controversy around his driving style has come at an awkward time in the market.
“I’m not worried about the contract situation,” said the Haas driver.
“I want to race in Formula 1 next year, but the situation is that sometimes a few bad races can reduce your market value. It’s often said that you’re only as good as your last race, and that’s true.”
Last Updated May 22, 2024
2025 AutoRacing1.com F1 Silly Season Page | ||||||
Team | Engine | No. | Driver | Nat. | Rating | Comments |
Audi Sauber | Ferrari | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Germany | Fact | Signed |
55 | Carlos Sainz Jr. | Spain | Strong | Will replace Bottas | ||
Alpine F1 Team | Renault | 31 | Esteban Ocon | France | Strong | Expected back |
61 | Jack Doohan | Australia | Speculation | Waiting in the wings | ||
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team | Mercedes | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Spain | Fact | Signed thru 2026 |
18 | Lance Stroll | Canada | Fact | Daddy owns the team | ||
Ferrari | Ferrari | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Monaco | Fact | Signed thru 2028 |
44 | Lewis Hamilton | England | Fact | Signed thru 2026 | ||
Moneygram Haas F1 Team | Ferrari | 10 | Pierre Gasly | France | Speculation | Could replace Kevin Magnussen |
38 | Oliver Bearman | England | Strong | Expected to replace Hulkenberg | ||
McLaren F1 Team | Mercedes | 4 | Lando Norris | England | Fact | Signed |
81 | Oscar Piastri | Australia | Fact | Signed | ||
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team | Mercedes | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Italy | Speculation | Could replace Hamilton |
55 | Carlos Sainz Jr. | Spain | Speculation | Could replace Hamilton | ||
63 | George Russell | England | Fact | Signed thru 2025 | ||
Red Bull Racing | Honda | 1 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Fact | Signed thru 2028 |
11 | Sergio Perez | Mexico | Speculation | Could be re-signed for 1 year | ||
22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Japan | Speculation | Could replace Perez for 1 year | ||
55 | Carlos Sainz Jr. | Spain | Speculation | Could replace Perez | ||
Visa Cash App RB | Honda | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Japan | Strong | Expected back |
40 | Liam Lawson | Australia | Strong | Expected to replace struggling Ricciardo | ||
Williams Racing | Mercedes | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Italy | Speculation | Could replace Sargeant |
23 | Alex Albon | Thailand | Fact | Signed | ||
77 | Valtteri Bottas | Finland | Speculation | Could replace Sargeant |