Alright, yes I missed some races

Well, no, I mean that's not quite true, I definitely watched them all, as per usual. I just didn't take the time to blog about it. Bad on me, but now we are into the 'summer break' and it's as good a time as any to both recap, and post my thoughts about all the recent news.

Courtesy of Williams Racing

We might as well start with the latest, Sainz to Williams next season. Am I surprised? No. My wife (who is a HUGE Carlos Sainz fan) and I have been thoroughly discussing his move all season long. Basically since it was announced he was getting the boot to make way for Hamilton. Where would he go? Who would be fighting over him? Days, weeks, and jeez, even months went by, and no news. Except the news that the more desirable open seats were going by the way side.

Truly, I think he never would have been a fit at Red Bull should Sergio have gotten his walking papers (his continuation at Red Bull I'll cover that next). Sainz deserves to be a number 1 driver. His resume continues to grow as does his racing. He's continuing, and rightfully so, to be more aggressive and competitive, even still going toe to toe with his stablemate Leclerc from time to time. But being Verstappen's teammate is difficult, and the kiss of death if you are not up to the task. Not to mention, Max is an outright baby if he doesn't get his way, so who the hell wants to be in that environment?

Mercedes would have been an ideal fit, and though I love Toto, I think he dropped the ball a bit here. My opinion, he could have offered Sainz a commitment for 2025, with an option to continue into 2026, and signed Antonelli (who appears to be his golden child) a reserve driver for 2025, with rights to promote him to a full seat come 2026. I think Antonelli could stand to do a year as a reserve, work with the team, simulator work, track testing, etc.. and really come thru with more of a full head of steam come 2026. Had they gone with Sainz for next season, you get a veteran driver to pair with Russell. Also it will be the final season of the current regulation car, and most likely it is performing at is optimum.

So, what really was left? Haas, Kick Sauber (soon to be Audi), Alpine, RB Racing, and Williams. All back of the pack runners, and really his best option of that group is Williams. Logan Sargent is and has been on his way out. Sorry Logan, it's been fun, but you ain't the one. James Vowles taking over at Williams was the best thing they have done in a while, and he is really only into his first full year with the team. He has a wealth of knowledge and the pedigree to go with it, being formerly with Braun which became Mercedes. He knows what to do to get this team moving forward, and having two solid drivers of Albon, and Sainz will certainly help his cause. Yes, they suffered from production and money issues already this season, but there are clearer skies ahead. The cars are absolute rocket ships in a straight line. They were last season, and it carried over to glimmers this year, but the turns still need some work. Trust me, they will get it all put together, and yes a little too late, but 2025 will be a better season for Williams. I do very much like Sainz as a driver, and I hope he does big things next season.

Next up.....the bulls run amok, and Sergio is getting in the way.