By Joe Murphy
The recent announcement that Carlos Sainz will be driving for Williams from 2025 onwards at the expense of Logan Sergeant, has created a domino effect in the speculation of next year’s grid.
Currently, only Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg is confirmed to drive for Sauber next year, with both Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas without a confirmed seat for next season. Whilst it remains possible the veteran Finn remains over his Chinese teammate, nothing is for certain.
Instead, Bottas would be wise to rejoin Mercedes and partner George Russell in a move that suits everybody.
Firstly, Mercedes get back a man who never missed out on a Q3 in all his time there. A man who played his part in the record stretch of Constructors Championship wins. A man who outdtive Lewis Hamilton at times and won ten races alongside many more podiums.
This also gives the Finn a more competitive seat, whilst Mercedes get someone they know all too well. Moreover, it free up Zhou to keep progressing as a driver and Sauber to go with youth alongside experience, yet again. And his contract is up, so will be a relatively cheap option too.
Also, who else really is a contender? Mick Schumacher? Liam Lawson? Or someone totally unproven? Surely Mercedes are better going with the more reliable and sensible option.
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