In perhaps the most shocking turn of events of the decade, Lewis Hamilton signed a contract to join Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion will finally end his 26-year-long association with Mercedes as he looks for a new adventure. Hamilton revealed it is one of the hardest decisions he has made in his life. Moving away from a team with which he shared such history and success could not have been easy. However, in this piece, we are not discussing Hamilton and his decision to join Ferrari which was made official by all parties involved. In this article, we will discuss the effects this decision will have on the future of other drivers, especially Carlos Sainz and perhaps Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton occupying the other Ferrari seat makes it obvious Sainz will have to take his talents elsewhere. However, we don’t know where his future lies. Speaking of another domino falling in this saga is Fernando Alonso. With history as proof, Fernando Alonso is not a man who likes to miss out on opportunities and switch teams. This is exactly why he is also part of the conversation now after Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move. Let’s discuss the possible future destination of the two Spaniards.

What does the future hold for Carlos Sainz?

The first question that comes to mind after hearing Hamilton’s decision is, what happens to Carlos Sainz? Sainz’s future was already in doubt, with the Spaniard wanting to secure his future for multiple years with the Italian team whilst there wasn’t a peep from Ferrari’s management.

Sainz believed he was best placed at Ferrari to fulfill his F1 goal of winning a championship. In fact, he even said, “I’m in the best place on the starting grid to graduate as F1 champion.” However, now we know why it was all quiet on the contact extension front. So what does the future hold for Sainz with his contract running out at the end of 2024, similar to most of the grid opening plenty of possibilities?

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One would assume Hamilton to Ferrari and Sainz to Mercedes would be a logical and easy swap deal. However, no parties have showcased any interest in making a swap. It leaves Sainz with two very viable options. First, we believe Sainz will be a good fit at Red Bull.

That’s right, we believe Sainz will be good no.2 at Red Bull and will pair nicely with his old teammate Max Verstappen. The Spaniard was a part of the Red Bull family and wouldn’t mind returning home, especially with the current state of the Red Bull car. Sainz has proved himself as a race winner with Ferrari and the Austrian team wouldn’t mind having him on their payroll for at least two years before they look to the future. However, it all depends on Sergio Perez as his contract extension will depend on his performance in the 2024 season, as revealed by his boss.

The second option for Sainz will be to make his rumored links to Audi come true. Sainz can also look to secure his long-term future and sign a contract with Sauber which will become Audi works team in 2026. The German auto manufacturers have a reputation for entering every motorsport competition with intent and leading the line with his former boss, Andreas Seidl, seems a plausible option.

F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Officially Parts Ways With Toto Wolff & Co. as Mercedes Sends Final Statement

So, Red Bull or Audi, we will know the answer in “due course”. Until then, let’s look at how Fernando Alonso comes into the picture.

Will Fernando Alonso jump ship and join Mercedes to occupy Lewis Hamilton’s vacant seat?

Alonso is among the many drivers on the grid whose contracts are expiring at the end of the 2024 season. The Spaniard is feeling and looking in top shape with his incredible resurgence, with Aston Martin serving as proof. Alonso is nowhere near close to retiring as well at the ripe age of 42, turning 43 this July.

So now that Hamilton’s post is empty, there are rumors Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been in touch with Alonso over a possible switch to the Silver Arrows.

A proposition to join a team as successful as Mercedes and get their backing to fight for another championship before he bows will surely be mouth-watering. However, Alonso is already part of a team that has showcased promise and if Aston Martin can build on what they delivered at the start of the 2023 season, they might be closer to Red Bull than Mercedes.

This is exactly what the rumor suggests, which was reported by Ted Kravitz. He reported “that Fernando Alonso’s inner circle and Toto Wolff had contact in the last few hours. Alonso is awaiting to see Aston Martin‘s progress in 2024 before deciding anything.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Aston Martin’s Key Figure Reminds Fernando Alonso of Reality, Downplaying His Kingpin Role Despite Being a 2-Time Champion.

It’s been an interesting few hours in the world of Formula 1 with Hamilton sending everyone into a frenzy. Apart from the Brit, we don’t have any concrete news about anyone else’s future but be rest assured, there will be changes soon. If not Alonso to Mercedes, we will surely see a blockbuster move from Sainz.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of EssentiallySports.