F1 star's move to replace Hamilton at Mercedes hits contractual snag

Mercedes have reportedly sounded out Carlos Sainz to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is heading in the opposite direction in 2025, but there is a catch…

Hamilton and Ferrari rocked the Formula 1 world when it was announced in February they would be joining forces after the end of the season, the joint-record champion racing for the sport's most successful team.

With Charles Leclerc the golden boy at The Prancing Horse, a product of their Driver Academy, it quickly became obvious that Sainz would be the one to make way for Hamilton.

READ MORE: Andretti reveal plan for MULTIPLE teams in F1 efforts

His is one of 10 drivers out of contract and the end of the year, and Italian media - La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera among them - reported that a move to Mercedes was as good as done.

"Carlos would like to arrive in Brackley on equal terms with [George] Russell, because he's convinced that he's no less a driver than the Englishman and can beat him within a season," reports Roberto Cecere.

"Sainz and Mercedes want each other. The Iberian considers the German manufacturer one of his best options, and the award-winning team think the Madrileno is a concrete driver for next season.

"However, some contractual details on both sides remain unsatisfactory. Carlos would like a multi-year contract: two years fixed with an option of third. Mercedes would prefer one year guaranteed to the option of a second under certain conditions.

"This is to have the freedom, possibly, in 2026, through a clause, to place another driver alongside Russell: [Andrea Kimi] Antonelli or the dream, [Max] Verstappen."

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: F1 champion details the 'political' turmoil Hamilton will face at Ferrari

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

FIA take action over F1 concerns by 'banning Mercedes and Red Bull trick'

• Yesterday 23:00

McLaren tease F1 Miami Grand Prix upgrades as Mercedes fight ramps up

• Yesterday 21:00

F1 2027 Grid: Max Verstappen makes a move, shock signing for Aston Martin

• Yesterday 19:00

Max Verstappen poised for eye-watering $500m F1 transfer, FOUR teams ready to pounce

• Yesterday 17:00

Lewis Hamilton opens up on isolation despite F1 success

• April 15, 2026 23:00

Aston Martin plans in doubt as insider hints at late Stroll decision

• April 15, 2026 21:00