Ferrari has rubbished Formula 1 rumours that Carlos Sainz could be replaced by Alex Albon for the 2025 season following speculation in the Italian press. Albon has impressed since he joined Williams in helping them improve their chances of finishing in the points, and has made his focus on the future with the team clear. But as Sainz's current contract runs out at the end of 2024, speculation has arisen over whether the Spaniard could be replaced and end up joining Sauber ahead of their planned change to Audi from 2026. This could leave a space for Albon, who has previous history with Scuderia boss Frederic Vasseur in his GP3 days, and alongside incumbent Charles Leclerc. When asked about the rumours, Vasseur told Motorsport.it : "I don't know where this story came from. I've run Albon in the past, and we're friends. "If a reporter asks me if Alex is currently doing a good job, I would say yes. But that doesn't mean I'm interested in taking him. “I think Alex also has a contract with Williams for 2024. The team is investing a lot, so there is no problem."
Sainz struggles to hit 'big peaks' like Leclerc
Ferrari has recently come under fire from Sainz for compromising his strategy in races and favouring teammate Leclerc, notably during the Austrian GP which he felt cost them a double podium. Despite Sainz currently sitting ahead of Leclerc in the standings - 83 points vs 74 - Vasseur also admitted that Sainz struggles to match the Monegasque at key moments. "Carlos is very consistent. He is able to manage his own pace and does it a little better than Charles," he said. "He doesn't overdrive, but he doesn't have the big peaks of Charles, when, for example, he takes pole positions. "Sometimes [Carlos] is very close to [Charles]. In Miami, up to the last corner, he was on pole. He limits the bad mistakes and he's always there.”
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