In-form Sainz is facing a big drop
CARLOS SAINZ faces a drop to the back of the Formula 1 grid following his Ferrari axe.
The Spaniard, 29, will leave at the end of the year due to the Italian outfit’s decision to bring in Lewis Hamilton.
And he has responded to that rejection by producing the best form of his F1 career.
Sainz won one and finished on the podium in the other two of his three races so far this term.
Those results have led to speculation he could replace Hamilton at Mercedes, or join Red Bull if Sergio Perez leaves.
But a move to either of those teams is highly unlikely. Red Bull say they won’t make a decision any time soon on Perez’s future, but his strong start to the year could see him offered a new deal.
And – despite Toto Wolff’s best efforts to convince Max Verstappen to leave – the Dutchman looks set to stay for at least another season.
The Mercedes chief’s next candidate is teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli who is being groomed as Hamilton’s replacement.
Sainz was also linked with Aston Martin until Fernando Alonso signed a new contract.
Lance Stroll still isn’t confirmed for 2025 yet but his seat is secure due to the fact his billionaire dad is the team owner.
Ferrari and McLaren already have full driver line-ups for next year, meaning Sainz is now looking at the bottom five teams for vacancies.
Of those, his two best options are the Audi project and Williams.
Audi enters F1 in 2026 when the German outfit takes over the Sauber team that finished ninth last season.
Realistically, it will take years for them to fight at the front – if at all.
And Williams haven’t won a championship since 1997 and have finished last in four of the last six seasons.