Why Mercedes Chose Kimi Antonelli Over Carlos Sainz for 2025
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Why did Mercedes sign Kimi Antonelli instead of Carlos Sainz? Explore the internal reasons behind Toto Wolff's decision and its implications for Formula 1.
Mercedes’ decision to sign rookie Kimi Antonelli instead of experienced Carlos Sainz for the 2025 Formula 1 season has raised eyebrows across the paddock. According to Sky Deutschland's Sascha Roos, team principal Toto Wolff’s decision was driven by “internal reasons.”
Mercedes Faces Driver Shake-Up After Hamilton’s Ferrari Move
Despite re-signing Lewis Hamilton on a one-plus-one contract in 2023, Mercedes found themselves without their star driver after Hamilton activated an exit clause to join Ferrari for 2024. This left Wolff with the task of identifying a suitable replacement for the seven-time World Champion.
Speculation abounded, with names like Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, and Mick Schumacher linked to the seat. Alonso committed to Aston Martin, while Vettel, despite discussions with Wolff, opted to remain retired. Schumacher, the team’s reserve driver, hoped for a promotion but was ultimately passed over when Wolff announced Antonelli’s signing in August 2024.
Carlos Sainz Misses Out on Mercedes Seat
Carlos Sainz, who was informed 2024 would be his last season at Ferrari, emerged as a strong contender for the Mercedes seat. The Spaniard delivered an impressive campaign, including a victory at the Australian Grand Prix shortly after recovering from an appendectomy. Despite his performance, Mercedes chose not to extend an offer, and Sainz signed with Williams instead.
Roos expressed surprise at Wolff’s decision, stating, “If I were Mercedes, I would have chosen and signed Sainz – and pushed Antonelli over to Williams for the time being. There are certainly internal reasons why Toto Wolff decided this way.”
Ferrari’s Gamble on Hamilton Could Backfire
Roos also questioned Ferrari’s decision to swap Sainz for Hamilton, suggesting it could weaken the team in the short term. “It was Sainz’s best season in his career so far, with two race wins,” Roos noted. “But Leclerc was even more consistent. It was a good pairing at Ferrari with Sainz and Leclerc.”
He added, “Hamilton will need time to adapt to the Ferrari, and by then, the team championship might already be out of reach. Sainz isn’t much worse than Hamilton, if at all. Ferrari may regret this move.”
What’s Next for Sainz?
While Sainz now finds himself at Williams, Roos believes the Spaniard won’t remain with the Grove-based team for long. With Cadillac set to join the F1 grid in 2026, Sainz could be a key part of their plans.
“I can imagine he will not stay at Williams for long and may go to Cadillac,” Roos speculated. “And you don’t know what else might happen at Red Bull.”
Antonelli’s Opportunity at Mercedes
For Kimi Antonelli, this marks a significant step in his young career as he joins George Russell at Mercedes. The 2025 season will reveal whether Wolff’s decision to fast-track the rookie to a top team pays off or if the move was premature.
As Formula 1 heads into an exciting new chapter, the choices made by Mercedes and Ferrari are sure to shape the future of the sport.
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