Silly season: 'Perez safe, Leclerc mega contract, what does Hamilton do?'

It's silly season again in Formula 1! The flow of rumours regarding possible transfers within the royal class is increasing by the week. With several contracts expiring, it remains to be seen what the grid will look like in the coming years. F1 journalist Joe Saward addresses the rumours on his blog.

There has been talk for months about a possible switch of Carlos Sainz to Audi. The current Ferrari driver would move to the German car brand in 2026 when it takes over Sauber (now Alfa Romeo). Saward says he has heard that the transfer may happen as early as 2025, a year before Audi becomes the new name-carrier. "At 28, Sainz is surrounded by a younger generation, and so securing a long-term future is a good career move for him. It is unlikely that Audi will be competitive quickly in 2026, but if it is, Sainz would be in good place," the journalist writes.

Hamilton's future

Perhaps the biggest pivot in Formula 1 at the moment is Lewis Hamilton. The British seven-time world champion has still not renewed his contract with Mercedes, although the expectation is still that the deal will come around, despite Ferrari's advances. Currently, the big question is what end date will be on the Mercedes driver's new contract. If Hamilton only signs for one or two years, the German racing stable may have to search for his successor now, before that driver has already given his heart to another team.

Leclerc longer at Ferrari?

One who seems certain of his place for now is Charles Leclerc. According to Saward, the Monegasque is rumoured to possibly sign a mega contract. It would be an extension until 2026, with an option for another three years. That would mean that the five-time race winner would potentially race for the Prancing Horse through 2029:"Such a deal would allow him to see how Ferrari does after the 2026 rule changes."

Perez staying at Red Bull?

Last but not least: Sergio Perez. The Mexican remains a topic of conversation. Is the six-time race winner sure of his seat at Red Bull, or will the world champions look for a driver closer to Max Verstappen? "Red Bull seems to think that keeping Sergio Perez until the end of his deal next year is not a bad idea, given that at the moment Max Verstappen is winning the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles on his own."

The British journalist thus confirms previous statements by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who have repeatedly revealed that the Mexican will continue to be in Red Bull in 2024.