McLaren F1 Boss Zak Brown Sparks “Silly Season” Speculation with Carlos Sainz Hint
The Formula 1 “silly season” – the period of intense speculation and rumors surrounding driver transfers – has been ignited by none other than McLaren CEO Zak Brown. In a recent interview, Brown openly acknowledged the team’s potential interest in re-signing their former driver, Carlos Sainz.
Speaking to Spanish media at the Laureus World Sports Awards, Brown was directly asked if McLaren would consider bringing Sainz back to the team. His response, while not a definitive confirmation, certainly left the door ajar for a possible future move.
“If we had a spot available, we would obviously reconsider Carlos Sainz,” Brown stated. He was quick to emphasize McLaren’s current satisfaction with their driver pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, noting that both are contracted “for a couple of years.”
However, Brown’s following remarks are what truly fueled the speculation. “However,” he added, “if the situation changes and Sainz becomes available, I have his number in my contacts.”
Sainz, who previously raced for McLaren alongside Norris in 2019 and 2020, before moving to Ferrari, is currently driving for Williams. His move to the British team came after being replaced at Ferrari by the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
Despite a somewhat challenging start to the 2025 season with Williams, Sainz remains a highly respected and capable driver within the F1 paddock. His consistent performances and race-winning pedigree make him an attractive prospect for any top team.
McLaren’s current driver lineup of Norris and Piastri has proven to be a formidable force. They have propelled the team to the top of the constructors’ championship standings after the initial five races, holding a significant 77-point lead over Mercedes. Piastri currently leads Norris in the drivers’ championship, having secured a victory in Jeddah.
While McLaren appears committed to their current drivers, Brown’s comments suggest that they are keeping a watchful eye on potential future opportunities. The “silly season” is known for its unexpected twists and turns, and the possibility of Carlos Sainz returning to the Woking-based team could become a significant storyline as the year progresses.
It’s important to note that as of April 25, 2025, McLaren’s driver lineup for the remainder of the 2025 season consists of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers are under contract with the team. However, Zak Brown’s recent statements have undoubtedly added an intriguing layer to the ongoing driver market discussions for the seasons beyond.
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