Carlos Sainz had been rumored to be in contention for a seat at Mercedes. However, Toto Wolff recently confirmed that Sainz won’t be donning the Silver Arrows next year. The reason? A strategic shift toward investing in young drivers.
🚨| Carlos Sainz has officially been ruled out of joining Mercedes next year, as per Toto Wolff.
Wolff: “We just want to focus on Kimi, this is our future, the young drivers.”
“We want to focus on the young drivers. This is what we told Carlos."
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) June 8, 2024
Toto Wolff emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent within the team. “We just want to focus on Kimi,” Wolff stated, referring to Kimi Räikkönen, the seasoned Finnish driver who has been with Mercedes. “This is our future—the young drivers,” he added. The decision to prioritize youth over experience signals a bold move for the team.
For Carlos Sainz, this ruling is a setback. Having impressed at Scuderia Ferrari, Sainz was eyeing a potential move to the dominant Mercedes team. His performances over the past seasons showcased his skill and adaptability. However, with the door now closed at Mercedes, Sainz will need to explore other options to continue his Formula One journey.
Toto Wolff’s Candid Reflection: Mercedes Victory Remains Elusive
After a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix, Toto Wolff, the Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, shared his candid thoughts on George Russell’s podium finish and the team’s performance. Amidst the excitement, Wolff acknowledged that victory had been tantalizingly close but ultimately slipped away. Let’s delve into the details.
Asked whether he felt there was a victory on the table for the 26-year-old, Mercedes team principal Wolff, speaking on Sky Sports F1, said: “A victory was maybe a long shot, or a short dream.
“When George was on the hard [tyre], catching up and was showing really strong pace, maybe for a second we thought about it, but you mustn’t be too greedy.”
George Russell, starting from pole position, showcased remarkable pace throughout the race. As he closed in on the leaders, whispers of a potential victory filled the air. Wolff admitted, “A victory was maybe a long shot, or a short dream when George was on the hard [tyre], catching up and showing strong pace.” The tantalizing prospect of victory briefly danced before them.
READ MORE: Fernando Alonso Teases Aston Martin’s Rival and Exudes Confidence: ‘We’re Close’