Carlos Sainz is the hottest commodity on the Formula 1 driver market. © APA/afp / VALERY HACHE

It is the key to the driver market

The 1 Formula 2024 World Championship is still young, but speculation about the teams and their drivers for 2025 is already running high. Ferrari man Carlos Sainz is considered a key figure.

19 April 2024

From: cst/apa

“It’s unbelievable,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner at a press conference in Shanghai on Friday. They are only in the fifth race and there is so much talk about the driver market, said the Brit, who wants to take his time with the cockpit allocation in his team.

According to all statements, Sergio Perez has a great chance of driving alongside three-time world champion Verstappen next year. “Of course he would like to announce something tomorrow,” said Horner: “But we as a team are not in a rush.” The Mexican’s contract expires after this season, Verstappen’s is valid until 2028.

At Mercedes, the place of record champion Lewis Hamilton is once again becoming vacant; the seven-time world champion is moving to Ferrari after this season. “We just go at our pace,” team boss Toto Wolff told Sky on Friday. They were somewhat surprised by Hamilton's decision before the season. “And I want to do exactly the opposite now when it comes to next year’s decision.”

Newcomer Audi interested in Sainz

The most exciting personnel question now is the future of Sainz, who has to leave the Scuderia for Hamilton. The 29-year-old Spaniard does not yet have a new employer. “Carlos does a great job. There's nothing to say at all. “That’s one we’re taking into account,” emphasized Wolff. But that doesn't have to happen in the next few weeks.

What plans does Red Bull team boss Christian Horner have? © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko recently spoke of a lucrative offer from Audi for Sainz. After taking over the Swiss Sauber team, the German car manufacturer wants to enter Formula 2026 with a factory racing team in 1. “We have no idea whether and what Audi offered Carlos,” said Horner, who has, however, had an extremely tense relationship with Marko for months. Sainz, who gained his first racing experience in the premier motorsport class with Red Bull sister team Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), is a key figure in the driver market, said Horner.

Vettel before a comeback?

Marko also confirmed Sebastian Vettel's possible comeback intentions. The 80-year-old knows the four-time world champion well from their time together at the current industry leader in Formula 1. “I think he wants it if he sees the chance to get a top car somewhere,” said Marko about Vettel’s possible return next season: “Then he’s ready for it.” Vettel resigned after the 2022 season, and he recently flirted with resigning in interviews.