Ferrari Driver Carlos Sainz Rumored to Be Replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025

Rumors are circulating in the Formula 1 paddock that Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz may be replaced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. According to sources, Hamilton is targeting the Ferrari seat in a bid to win an unprecedented eighth world title before leaving the sport.

Sainz, whose contract with Ferrari ends after the current 2024 season, does not yet have a confirmed seat for 2025. The Spaniard has been one of the top performers this year, being the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. However, his future with the Scuderia appears uncertain.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the speculation, stating that his team is not in a hurry to make a decision on their 2025 driver lineup. "Checo [Sergio Perez] is doing a great job for us currently," Horner said. "As for Carlos [Sainz], we know Audi is making an aggressive push in the driver market with their upcoming entry, and they've apparently made him a big offer that we couldn't match."

Reports indicate that Sainz is seriously considering Audi's multi-year contract proposal, as the German manufacturer prepares to join Formula 1 as a works team. Meanwhile, Mercedes is also rumored to be interested in Sainz, but only for a single season before promoting their junior driver Kimi Antonelli in 2026.

Why this matters: The potential driver moves for the 2025 season could significantly shake up the competitive order in Formula 1. If Hamilton does indeed join Ferrari and rediscovers his championship-winning form, it would pose a major threat to Red Bull's current dominance. The driver market is set to heat up as teams position themselves for the future, with Audi's entry adding further intrigue.

As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Sainz and his future plans. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur declined to comment on the rumors, emphasizing that the team's focus remains on maximizing their performance this year. The next race on the calendar is the Miami Grand Prix, where Sainz will aim to build on his strong start to the season and further solidify his value in the driver market.

Key Takeaways

• Rumors of Lewis Hamilton replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in 2025.
• Sainz's Ferrari contract ends in 2024, future uncertain; Audi offers big deal.
• Red Bull not rushing 2025 lineup, Mercedes interested in Sainz for 2025 only.
• Driver market set to heat up with Audi's F1 entry, could shake up order.
• Sainz aims to build on strong start in 2023 to solidify his value.