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Why wait until the end of the year? As the season progresses, it’s between the Japanese and Chinese Grand Prix that teams and drivers are rolling their dice.
Eternal ‘Nando’
Contrary to expectations of drama and spectacle, Fernando Alonso has extended his stay in the same paddock by signing a further two years with Aston Martin. While most teams thought they had a chance of attracting him, Alonso preferred to surprise them by putting his faith in Lawrence Stroll’s project. It’s a logical choice, given the former world champion’s more than satisfactory track record and Aston Martin’s growing rivalry with Mercedes and Ferrari.
At the age of 42, Fernando Alonso still has a lot to prove in Formula 1. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by Lawrence, Martin and Mike. With Lance, I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together. This project is just beginning and I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in top physical shape and as motivated as ever. I’m going to give it my all as we continue our quest to become a world champion team.”
Sainz, Mercedes or RedBull?
While Fernando Alonso was the first small bombshell of the mercato, rumors surrounding Carlos Sainz have been making headlines over the last 24 hours. The Formula 1 paddock loves a game of telephone between teams. Like a game of musical chairs, after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton announced he was leaving Mercedes, Toto Wolff had to find the best candidate to support George Russell.
According to Corriere Dello Sport and We Sport, rumors that Sainz has already made his choice for the future have been confirmed. The Spaniard has signed a two-year contract to join the Mercedes team in 2025. For its part, Mercedes is not rushing into anything. Toto Wolff remains on the lookout to train young Kimi Antonelli before giving him his chance. The latter would be the ideal option alongside Russell, while Sainz could potentially take his place.
The Sainz saga doesn’t end there. According to former German driver Ralf Schumacher, “Carlos Sainz would be the right choice for Christian Horner and RedBull.” The Sky commentator believes that the Spaniard could replace Checo Perez at RedBull, considering that the Mexican is unable to keep pace with Verstappen. For the time being, however, Max and Perez remain RedBull’s drivers for next season, as evidenced by the driver rankings and Perez’s recent results.
Verstappen, From Rumors to False Speculation
In recent weeks, there has been much talk of a possible tie-up between Max and Mercedes, but this is entirely untrue. Toto Wolff suggested that “Max would be welcome to join us, his contract is waiting for him if he changes his mind” after Lewis Hamilton’s departure. However, rumors of a contract already signed and a verbal agreement are only unfounded speculation. But the door remains open, and a Verstappen departure for Mercedes before the new 2026Â regulations could be envisaged, especially with Mercedes’ current dominance in the coming hybrid era.
