Ferrari has reportedly initiated the search for a replacement for Carlos Sainz, anticipating his potential departure after the 2024 Formula 1 season. According to reports, Alex Albon is the number one choice to fill the seat alongside Charles Leclerc.
Speculation suggests that Sainz is dissatisfied with his current role as the second driver to Leclerc at Ferrari. While both drivers have contracts expiring at the end of 2024, Leclerc has long been regarded as a future World Champion for the team, with Sainz playing the role of a supportive wingman.
Although Leclerc has been linked to other teams, such as Red Bull and Mercedes, recent reports indicate that he is likely to extend his stay with Ferrari. However, the situation appears less certain for Sainz, who has been linked to several teams, including Audi, which is reportedly interested in signing him.
Audi is set to join the grid in 2026, but the company is gradually increasing its stake in Sauber as part of its preparations for a takeover. This opens the possibility for Sainz to potentially join Audi in 2025 ahead of their official entry into Formula 1.
According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Ferrari is already making preparations for a potential departure by Sainz. Reports suggest that Alex Albon is the leading candidate to replace the Spaniard, given the perceived incompatibility between Sainz’s ambition to become a World Champion and Ferrari’s focus on Leclerc.
Fred Vasseur, team boss of Alfa Romeo Racing, is reportedly keen to see the Thai-British racer take over Sainz’s seat if he decides to leave Ferrari. The possibility is strengthened by the fact that both Sainz’s contract with Ferrari and Albon’s contract with Williams expire at the end of 2024.
Albon previously spent a season-and-a-half with Red Bull in 2019 and 2020 before being dropped to a reserve role in favor of Sergio Perez. He returned to a race seat with Williams in 2022 and secured a long-term deal with the team after scoring four points last season. In the current 2023 season, Albon has already achieved two points finishes, including a seventh-place finish in Canada.
As the future of Carlos Sainz at Ferrari remains uncertain, the team continues to explore potential alternatives, with Alex Albon emerging as a strong contender for the coveted seat alongside Charles Leclerc.
