Carlos Sainz Sr. Mercedes F1 Questions Its Decision Regarding Hamilton’s Successor
- Carlos Sainz Sr. criticized Mercedes F1’s snub of his son for the 2025 season.
- The former rally driver thinks Antonelli’s push to main driver status with the team has been premature.
Carlos Sainz Jr., having left Ferrari, was in talks with leading teams like Red Bull and Mercedes for his next move in Formula 1. However, he’s now set to join Williams for the 2025 season.
Former F1 driver Marc Surer has shed light on the situation after speaking with Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr. The elder Sainz, according to reports, expressed concerns about Mercedes’ decision to promote Kimi Antonelli directly to the main team without the normal step of a seasoning with a partner. Sainz Sr. questioned the logic of this decision, pointing out that Mercedes developed George Russell at Williams before promoting to their roster. Sainz Jr. also said that he would have accepted a seat with Mercedes had he been offered one, but Red Bull chose to keep Sergio Perez, and Mercedes went for Antonelli. This led Sainz to Williams. Sainz Sr. found the celebrations following this incident confusing, and questioned Antonelli’s ability to handle such high pressure.
