The Italian press is currently in a wash. Carlos Sainz have made a sensational move to Mercedes Corer de Sport Gazetta DEA.
According to Sport and F1 Technica, the Spaniard has found a new home. This is surprising as he is the last remaining top driver without a seat. The transfer was triggered by Fernando Alonzo signing a new 2-year contract with Aston Martin the day before. Alonzo declined a chance to join Mercedes, citing the team’s inferiority and the car’s unappealing design. However, he did not just elect to extend his present deal. Aston Martin turned the tables on him. Aston Martin will be powered by Honda in 2026. Honda, a Japanese business, wanted to bring in Yuki Sonoda, a fellow Japanese. The 42-year-old worried and quickly put pen to paper. Alonzo did not want the Mercedes seat, and Verstappen did not want to leave a dominant car for Mercedes, paving the way for Saints to pair up with the Silver Arrows. In this episode, we will discuss the deal and why we believe George Russell is in jeopardy.
Lockout contract duration According to an F1 technician, the most significant barrier to the Saints’ switch to Mercedes was the contract’s length over time. In 2018, Hamilton signed a 2-year contract for 2019 and 2020. After that contract expired, he signed for a single season in 2021 while waiting for the ground effect regulation. He then signed for two seasons in 2022 and 2023, followed by two seasons in 2025. Wolf has a history of offering one-year contracts to keep drivers motivated, but this may limit their ability to move to other teams. For example, Sainz was offered a one-plus-one contract, but he preferred a two-year guaranteed contract with an option for a third. As a result, Toto Wolf had to sign him. A move to the Saints makes sense for both parties after four races. Previously, Charles was superior to him, but this is no longer the case. SS’s experience in car development is a factor that Hamilton does not consider. McLaren’s recent woes have been overcome, but it was the efforts of Saints and Ricardo that gave Oscar Piastri a solid platform to make an immediate impact on the grid. Mercedes is preparing to reclaim the top spot with the 2026 regulations.
SS is a great teammate, but had a strained relationship with Verstappen at Toro Rosso. This has consequences for George Russell. Carlos Sainz believes he is superior to George, and has sought similar contractual conditions at the Brit. He is certain in his ability to dethrone Russell as the best driver, and has valid reasons.
Russell has not met expectations due to a lack of proper car and a lack of ruthlessness. His 1pl one contract allows him to race for the team in 2025 and then decide whether to extend the deal in 2026. Wolf intends to find a seat for Antonelli at the Mercedes customer team the following year. Williams Logan Sergeant may be replaced by Kimmy in 2025. If Kimmy performs well at Williams, Wolf plans to bring him to Mercedes in 2026. This coincides with the discussion of Sa’s contract extension. Underperforming Saints may be replaced by Kimmy, but it is possible that Saints will be the one out of a job in 2026. George Russell, a Brit, could make way for Kimmy. Toto Wolf has a warm place for the young Italian and wants to avoid repeating his mistake with Max. Max Stappen was a young 17-year-old when he was offered to Wolf. At the time, Mercedes had two outstanding drivers in Hamilton and Rosberg, leaving no room for Max to make matters worse. Mercedes did not have a young driver program at the time, but Max went on to become the youngest race winner in F1 by the following year. Toto has been investing in Kimmy since his carting days, and he has beaten every competition he has faced. While he may struggle as the youngest driver in F2, this is part of his success. We will continue to monitor the driver’s movements for you. Do you believe Saints made the right decision? This is a front lockout signoff.
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