Formula 1 News: Mercedes Rules Out Carlos Sainz for 2025, Focuses on Reinventing with Young Drivers
In a surprising twist, Mercedes-AMG CEO Toto Wolff has revealed that Carlos Sainz is no longer a viable option for the team’s 2025 Formula 1 lineup. Wolff emphasized that the team wants to “reinvent ourselves” and shift its focus towards younger drivers, particularly teenage protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Sainz, who is set to leave Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton‘s arrival, was previously considered a suitable short-term option for Mercedes. However, the Spaniard has been seeking a longer-term commitment from his next team, which led Wolff to rule him out of the running.
“We just want to concentrate on Kimi, that is our future, young drivers,” Wolff told Sky Germany. “We want to commit to that, to young drivers, and that’s what we’ve told Carlos.”
Mercedes has been nurturing Antonelli, 17, who is currently competing in his maiden Formula 2 campaign alongside multiple F1 tests in previous-spec Mercedes cars. Wolff believes the young Italian driver is the future of the team, and they are willing to invest in his development.
When asked about prioritizing an unproven prospect over an established three-time race winner like Sainz, Wolff explained that Mercedes is gearing up for a new era.
“I think first of all, Carlos deserves a top seat,” he added to Sky Sports F1. “He’s done a fantastic job. But for us, we’ve embarked on a route now to say you know what we want to reinvent ourselves a bit going forward, and Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that.”
Wolff also considered it unfair to keep Sainz in limbo as he explores his own options.
“We haven’t taken a decision yet for next year, but we didn’t want to have Carlos wait as he needs to take a decision for himself. That’s just fair. He’s doing a super job.”
With the FIA’s recent regulation change lowering the minimum age limit to 17, Antonelli could make his F1 debut this season before turning 18 on August 25. This development marks an exciting chapter for Mercedes, Formula 1, and Antonelli, as the team prepares to reinvent itself for the future.
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