Carlos Sainz Jr., driver of the #55 Ferrari

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