EXCLUSIVE: F1 race winner backs 'next level' driver to replace Stroll at Aston Martin

Jonny Herbert presents for Sky in 2021 — Photo: © IMAGO

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EXCLUSIVE: F1 race winner backs 'next level' driver to replace Stroll at Aston Martin

Johnny Herbert reveals where he would like to see Carlos Sainz racing next year

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Thursday 18 April 2024 16:00

Aston Martin announced one half of their 2025 driver line-up, with Fernando Alonso extending his contract until 2026.

Alonso’s news means there are less opportunities for Carlos Sainz on the grid, who finds himself without a seat next season after Ferrari decided to sign Lewis Hamilton.

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The team would have to displace their owner’s son, Lance Stroll, in order to make way for the Spanish driver.

Sainz has been connected to a variety of race seats, including Sauber/Audi, Mercedes and even Red Bull, however he faces competition for the latter two teams.

Could we see an all Spanish line-up at Aston Martin?

Is Carlos Sainz’s best option Aston Martin?

Whilst he acknowledged Red Bull may be a possibility, Herbert argued it was a ‘risk’ for Sainz to partner Max Verstappen.

“The one place I'd like it to happen…would be Aston Martin. I think that would be a very good fit personally, because I think that would be something that would really strengthen their driver line-up,” Herbert said.

“And I know that means Lance, having to move aside. But there is going to be that time where that next level needs to be met by both these drivers and Lance's had a bit of a struggle this year, a bit of a struggle last year as well. Is it time?

“Well, that decision can only be made by the team itself. But I think that would be a good fit. For me. I think the Aston Martin, early journey being up against Fernando Alonso, I think will be something that Carlos would do a very good job.

“Is there a risk there? Like I said about Max, but there's always going to be a risk, I suppose. But I think fundamentally, I think that would be the place that might give him the best opportunity to grow and become probably the leader of that team once Fernando decides his time is up,” Herbert added via Crypto Casino Ltd.

“So yeah, I'd probably say Aston would be the right fit for me. For him.”

Red Bull Lewis Hamilton Carlos Sainz Aston Martin Fernando Alonso Chinese Grand Prix