F1 News

Sainz predicts little action during silly season

Sainz has bad news for upcoming generation: 'How small is that chance?!'

17 June at 19:00
2
  • Jeroen Immink

Carlos Sainz thinks it will be difficult for the next generation to earn a Formula 1 seat. The Spaniard, who is in his final season at Ferrari, predicts that only a maximum of two drivers will join next year. In the Nude Project Podcast, he explains why.

Sainz is currently looking for a new seat. In that search, he has already seen Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes drop out, with the latter targeting Andrea Kimi Antonelli as their next driver for 2025. The most obvious options are Williams and Sauber, which will be renamed Audi in 2026. 

Silly Season in flux

Since the big news that Lewis Hamilton will take over Sainz's place at Ferrari, a lot has happened in the Formula 1 transfer market. With Sainz being a sought-after candidate for many Formula 1 teams, along with emerging talents such as Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and Jack Doohan all vying for a seat, it is becoming increasingly complicated for a driver to blend into the 20-strong Formula 1 field.

Sainz also sees that finding an F1 seat is difficult. "There are now 20 drivers in Formula 1. Two new drivers will be added next year. That means eighteen guys will just stay in their seats. Can you then calculate how small the chances are that you will be one of those nineteen- or twenty-year-old boys who do get to advance to Formula 1," said the Spaniard.

Even with many of these drivers still hoping for the chance, the grid seems to be taking shape for 2025. Red Bull recently announced that Sergio Pérez has extended his expiring contract. In addition, Fernando Alonso was also confirmed at Aston Martin for two more seasons.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy