Sainz in early discussions with Mercedes for potential switch with Hamilton

Sainz's next move

With Lewis Hamilton's bombshell decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, the Silver Arrows have a coveted seat to fill.

One of the names prominently linked to that vacancy is Carlos Sainz, whose Ferrari contract expires at the end of 2024.

Paddock talks in Jeddah

According to Corriere dello Sport, Sainz's representatives took the opportunity to meet with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff about potentially joining the team for 2025.

As stated by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport:

"During the Saudi Arabian GP the entire entourage of Carlos Sainz remained in the Mercedes hospitality for a long time."

"Sainz Jr's contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the season, and for this reason his manager Carlos Onorio, together with the driver's father Carlos Sainz Snr spoke at length with Toto Wolff. The negotiations have begun."

Sainz Tight-Lipped

While Sainz himself has remained coy about specifically naming teams, he has outlined his key criteria for his next F1 contract.

"[I am] looking for a project first that allows me to win and be performing as soon as possible,"

Sainz stated.

"But also for sure looking at stability and how important stability is in a project in the medium to long term. To build a strong team and a team to understand the driver and the driver to understand the team."

The Spaniard says those two priorities of competitiveness and stability will guide his decision-making process as he weighs his options.

Downplaying paddock rumor mill

However, Sainz was quick to downplay reading too much into the routine paddock conversations his management team was having in Saudi Arabia.

"If you saw my dad went to say hello to Helmut Marko you need to remember he has a great relationship with him in the same way we have a good relationship with Toto,"

Sainz explained.

"With everyone in the grid it is normal at this stage of the year. But also, we haven't seen each other for three or four months or so you're going say hello to each other."

2025 Options wide open

As one of the top drivers potentially available for 2025, Sainz will likely have his pick of the leading teams.

While very early negotiations with Mercedes appear to have begun, it remains to be seen if he will opt for the Silver Arrows or another front-running squad like Red Bull or Aston Martin.

Mercedes' level of competitiveness next year could be a major factor, as Sainz has emphatically stated he wants to join a team that can fight for race wins and titles immediately.