Ex-F1 driver urges Carlos Sainz to chase ‘performance’ amidst 2025 Mercedes rumors

Carlos Sainz is set to leave Ferrari at the end of 2024.

Ex-F1 driver urges Carlos Sainz to chase ‘performance’ amidst 2025 Mercedes rumors

Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

The three-time Grand Prix winner, Carlos Sainz is back in the 2025 Mercedes picture. Previously, team boss, Toto Wolff had closed the door on Sainz’ for a potential drive, but things seem to have changed.

Mercedes is keeping close tabs on the exploits of young F2 sensation, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and has been dwelling on whether 2025 would be too early for him. Because of this, Carlos Sainz has been rumored to be on the list of Mercedes and while the ongoing campaign is currently at a halt, the Ex-F1 driver, David Coulthard has urged Sainz to go for ‘performance.’

YouTube video

The 53-year-old feels the Spaniard should sign for Mercedes even if it’s on a one-year deal.

FS Video
I would go for whatever car next year I believe is going to give me performance on track. So I think for Carlos, you’ve got to go for performance. Look at Valtteri [Bottas], he was winning Grands Prix and not being embarrassed alongside Lewis. He went to Sauber and he’s been anonymous since – not because he’s forgotten how to drive.
David Coulthard via Beyond the Grid Podcast

Looking at the reaction of the former 13-time Grand Prix winner, it is quite clear that he has left no stone unturned in urging Sainz to sign for Mercedes. However, much of this depends on what Mercedes ultimately decides to do with Antonelli. The 2025 seat saga could stretch beyond the summer break for Sainz and the 17-year-old Italian.

George Russell will ‘welcome any driver’ at Mercedes

While Sainz is a driver of immense interest for Mercedes, their current driver, George Russell is okay with whoever comes on board. The Brit has made it known that he is open to sharing the Mercedes garage with any driver.

George Russell
George Russell (Via: Imago)

Russell has been driving for the Brackley-based team since 2022.

I’d welcome anyone, anybody to be honest. I’ve been lucky having Lewis for the last three years and we’ve had some great battles in the last couple of years. But as a driver, I think it’s important you have a good relationship between the two of you just to help that team momentum and pushing in the same direction.
George Russell via PlanetF1

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has been on an upward trajectory since the Monaco GP. The outfit has won consecutively in the last two races and keeping this in view, it makes sense for Carlos Sainz to join the team if the opportunity arises for 2025. At 29, Sainz is currently in his prime and thus, should go after a top seat rather than settling for a mid-field team on a longer deal.

In case you missed it: