Carlos Sainz’s Father Spotted With Toto Wolff & Co. Hours After Surgery

Carlos Sainz, who is in the final year of his contract with Ferrari, recently underwent surgery for appendicitis, causing him to miss out on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite feeling unwell, Sainz initially participated in practice sessions before his diagnosis. Despite the setback, Sainz expressed his gratitude for the support he received during this challenging time. He described the surgery as a “smooth operation” and conveyed his appreciation to those who assisted him. He was even present in the paddock during the race mere hours after the surgery. And it looks like Sainz Senior is making moves to get his son a drive with the top team in 2025.

After the race, Direct Formula tweeted a shot of Carlos Sainz Sr. and Carlos Sainz Jr’s manager, Carlos Oñoro leaving the Mercedes hospitality, perhaps having a discussion about Sainz Jr’s prospect at the Brackley-based squad as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who replaced the Spaniard at the Scuderia. It is to be noted that Carlos Sainz has already been linked to Mercedes, Kick Sauber, and even Red Bull for a potential comeback as a replacement for Sergio Perez. So it looks like the Spaniard is keeping all his options open.

READ MORE: Carlos Sainz “Will Drive for Himself” Without Listening to Any Team Orders at Ferrari

While Mercedes could be one of the better options for Carlos Sainz in 2025, F1 insiders think that it is unlikely to happen.

Carlos Sainz won’t be attractive to Mercedes according to Damon Hill

While there is no doubt that Sainz is a top-class Formula 1 driver, being the only one apart from Red Bull to win a race in 2023, according to former world champion Damon Hill, Sainz’s previous stint with Ferrari might not bode well for his chances at Mercedes. Hill suggested that Mercedes might not see Sainz as “politically attractive” due to the circumstances surrounding Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari. Hill pointed out that Sainz’s association with Ferrari, especially after losing his seat to Hamilton, could pose challenges for him in securing a spot with Mercedes.

“If you think about Carlos Sainz, he’s come from Ferrari. Would Mercedes be comfortable taking someone who has been, not rejected, but anyway passed over?” Hill wondered.

Martin Brundle, another former driver and Sky F1 pundit, echoed Hill’s sentiments. Brundle emphasized the potential perception issue for Mercedes in considering Sainz, questioning whether they would want to be seen as taking on a driver who had been passed over by Ferrari. “The problem is that if you’re Mercedes-Benz, he’s been kicked out of Ferrari, do you want to? Does that have the right feel to take, sort of, Ferrari’s cast off? Even if it was for Lewis Hamilton. That’s the cruel aspect of this. I think the kid’s world-class and I think he’ll get a good seat.”

With uncertainties surrounding Sainz’s prospects at Mercedes, other options have emerged, including a potential move to the Sauber Stake F1 team following Audi’s takeover. Sainz’s connection to Audi, particularly through his father’s success in the Dakar Rally for the German manufacturer, has fueled speculation about a future partnership.

Where do you think Carlos Sainz will end up in 2025? Share your thoughts on the matter.