Two Spanish drivers largely shape the Formula 1 transfer market. Both Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz have contracts with their respective teams that are nearing expiration, and their paths could cross. According to Auto Racer, Aston Martin has chosen Carlos Sainz as Alonso’s replacement if he retires from Formula 1.
Aston Martin’s improvement in Hungary seems to bring Alonso closer to a renewal, but there are still two loose ends to resolve. The first is that the Honda engine actually shows real improvement in Zandvoort. The second is that Aston Martin meets Alonso’s financial demands. If these conditions aren’t met, Sainz remains in the wings.
Carlos Sainz is Aston Martin’s Plan B
The future of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in Formula 1 could be intertwined. According to the Italian outlet Auto Racer, Aston Martin has chosen Carlos Sainz as Alonso’s replacement if the Asturian decides to retire. The team’s Plan A is to continue with Alonso, but just in case they would have Sainz waiting in the wings.
Alonso’s contract runs out at the end of 2026 and at 45 years of age it’s time to decide whether to retire or continue racing in Formula 1. The latest reports suggested Alonso had asked for a new two-year guaranteed contract and a salary raise to 40 million euros per season, though everything depends on the Honda engine.
Honda will debut in Zandvoort within about fifteen days with a new power unit that carries high hopes. Alonso would want to see a genuine improvement to ensure Honda does not repeat its calamitous spell from 2015, which extended to 2017 with the unfortunate separation from McLaren after failing to make a power unit work for three years.
As for Sainz’s contract with Williams comes to an end, and landing a seat at Aston Martin would be the most feasible way to try to return to the Formula 1 elite. Even without Honda improvements, after Hungary’s upgrades we already saw Aston Martin ahead of Williams, so for Sainz it would be a step forward, also financially.
In fact, in recent weeks it has been noted that Williams is already in negotiations with other drivers, with Sergio Pérez‘s name emerging as the leading candidate. Signals that Williams does not have full confidence about Sainz’s continuity in a team that is floundering.
The decision of Fernando Alonso will not only be a turning point in his racing career, but it will also indirectly influence what happens with Carlos Sainz.
Images | Formula 1, Aston Martin
