Damon Hill names the one ‘problem’ Mercedes might have with hiring Carlos Sainz

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Mercedes may be reluctant to hire Carlos Sainz because Ferrari have cast him aside, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill says.

It was confirmed in February that Sainz will leave the Scuderia for the 2025 season, with Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton replacing him.

Hill says that Mercedes would therefore have to explain the rationale behind hiring the Spaniard as their replacement.

Sainz may also have his eyes on a potential vacancy at Red Bull as Sergio Perez approaches the end of his contract.

The 29-year-old will regard himself as one of the elite drivers in the sport after winning two races, bagging five pole positions and earning 19 podiums.

He was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a Grand Prix last season, taking the chequered flag in Singapore.

Sainz showed potential suitors what he could do in Bahrain last weekend by finishing on the podium after passing the Mercedes of George Russell and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.

His performance earned him the driver of the day award from Formula 1 fans.

Damon Hill shares possible Carlos Sainz concern for Mercedes

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Hill insisted that Sainz would be a ‘strong candidate’ for the Silver Arrows given his experience of fighting at the front.

However, he does wonder if the optics of the situation will sight right with Toto Wolff and co.

He said (28:55): “Would Mercedes be the right place to go? There is the problem with the fact that you’re swapping drivers from Ferrari to Mercedes, and Mercedes would have to explain why they’re taking someone who’s been thrown out in favour of the driver that they already had.

“What they’re after at Mercedes is someone who can deliver at the sharp end in Formula 1, and he can do that, and also he’s driven for a very big team in Ferrari so he understands all of those pressures.

“I think Carlos would be a strong candidate for that place at Mercedes.”

Mercedes also considering remarkable Verstappen move

It emerged on Monday that reigning world champion Max Verstappen is the ‘hottest candidate’ to fill Hamilton’s seat.

A move remains ‘very unlikely’, but Wolff appears to be on alert amid the uncertainty at Red Bull.

Verstappen’s recent domination of the sport could make him the number one option for Mercedes if he’s available.

Elsewhere, Hill has suggested that McLaren driver Lando Norris will ‘definitely’ be in the running for the drive, and talked up Williams star Alex Albon too.