Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has dismissed the possibility of Carlos Sainz making a move to Mercedes in the near future. This conclusion follows Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s strong performance at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which has shifted internal priorities within the Mercedes team.
Kimi Antonelli faced pressure leading up to the Baku race weekend due to inconsistent showings in the Mercedes car. However, he delivered an outstanding performance in Azerbaijan, securing an impressive fourth-place finish, demonstrating resilience and growth under pressure.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz also impressed in Baku, finishing third and starting the race from second place, marking a significant achievement for the Williams driver. Despite his solid result, recent speculation about a potential Carlos Sainz Mercedes move has been quashed by Schumacher, who believes Mercedes will continue to back Antonelli.
Ralf Schumacher Affirms Mercedes Will Stick With Kimi Antonelli
Rumors about Sainz transitioning to Mercedes gained traction amid Antonelli’s challenging early season struggles. Nonetheless, Schumacher has stated that the team is unlikely to reconsider, especially after Antonelli’s breakthrough weekend in Baku.
Speaking on Sky Germany’s Boxengasse Backstage podcast, Schumacher said,
“Formula 1 is very short-lived. Kimi Antonelli had an important weekend in Baku, where he delivered under pressure. This result was also important internally for Mercedes. Not only Kimi was under pressure, but also Toto Wolff.” – Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
“He decided to keep Kimi in the cockpit after Lewis Hamilton. Kimi had a solid weekend. He can now build on that. That’s why I don’t think this door will open again for Carlos Sainz.” – Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
Both Sainz and Antonelli are rookies in the 2025 Formula 1 season, with Sainz racing for Williams and Antonelli representing Mercedes, which is under the leadership of team principal Toto Wolff.
Williams Team Principal Urges Patience After Sainz’s Podium in Baku
Carlos Sainz is among the more experienced drivers on the current F1 grid, having spent several seasons in the sport and earning respect within the paddock. His podium finish in Azerbaijan was a significant milestone for Williams, highlighting progress for the team throughout the season.
Williams team principal James Vowles emphasized the importance of maintaining a long-term vision despite this encouraging result. After the race, he remarked,
“This is one podium and the giants out there are able to get on the podium every week and win races and we have a long way to go before we’re able to achieve that. And in one year, we won’t fix everything that we need to fix.” – James Vowles, Williams Team Principal
“But my ask of you is stay with us. I hope what everyone can see is we’re on the right journey. Trust the process. And there’s a lot of good things to come. But be by Williams’s side when it happens.” – James Vowles, Williams Team Principal
Sainz is currently under a multi-year contract with Williams and holds 12th place in the drivers’ championship for the 2025 season with 31 points at this stage. His strong efforts demonstrate his commitment to the team’s rebuilding path and the potential for further success in the coming seasons.
What This Means for Carlos Sainz’s Future
Ralf Schumacher’s recent comments strongly suggest that Carlos Sainz’s hopes of moving to Mercedes are unlikely to materialize this year. With Mercedes placing confidence in young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli after his breakthrough in Baku, the window for Sainz to join the Silver Arrows team appears closed.
At the same time, Williams remains vested in Sainz’s development, aiming to build on recent progress with patience and steady improvement. The 2025 season will continue to be a pivotal year for both drivers, shaping their trajectories within Formula 1’s highly competitive environment.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Antonelli can sustain his momentum and if Williams, led by Sainz, can capitalize on their promising performances to climb higher in the standings.
