Carlos Sainz started the 2024 F1 season impressively. He and Lewis Hamilton emerged victorious at the Australian Grand Prix, taking advantage of unfortunate circumstances. Sainz, in particular, has stood out and garnered a lot of attention. This has led experts to suggest that he is the best option amidst the crisis between Mercedes and -Mercedes.
Sainz won the race at Albert Park after recovering from appendicitis surgery, making a remarkable comeback. The last time a driver achieved such a feat was in 1997. His impressive speed in the SF-24, despite not receiving a contract extension, has made him highly sought after in the driver market. Consequently, he appears to be the most suitable candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, according to Naomi Schiff.
When asked about Sainz’s chances of securing a seat next year, Schiff gave a detailed response. She highlighted Sainz’s performance on the track and his strategic mindset, making him an attractive choice for several teams. Red Bull and the Silver Arrows are among those interested in hiring him.
There is a disconnect between the historically successful partnership between driver and team. The Brackley-based team had a tough start to the season and failed to meet their initial objectives. As a result, Lewis Hamilton, the former world champion, has lost hope of securing his eighth world championship with Mercedes.
Recent reports have brought to light the growing rift between Hamilton and the team. A British commentator shared details of his conversation with Wolff, revealing the challenges faced behind the scenes in Brackley. Hamilton believes that Mercedes cannot succeed with their current machine and has struggled to adapt to it.
This has created a negative atmosphere within the team. However, Toto Wolff remains optimistic and hopes to give his colleague a memorable farewell before moving to Maranello.