Ahead of Imola GP 2024, driver market buzzes with some backdoor meetings

Formula 1 caravan has reached Italy for the European leg at Imola this weekend. The return of the traditional format to the paddock has sparked a flurry of discussions aimed at solidifying the line-ups for the 2025 season.

Fan and media observers noted several secret backdoor meetings on Saturday which might shape the grid for the upcoming season. These meetings include Valtteri Bottas and James Vowles at Williams on Saturday morning, and Carlos Sainz's management team shuttling between various teams, including Red Bull and Alpine. 

These covert exchanges show the "silly season" reaching an early climax. The linchpin in this flurry of activity seems to be Sainz, who holds an offer from Sauber/Audi but faces a looming end-of-month deadline to accept it. 

Why Carlos Sainz fail to commit to Audi?

Sainz had been holding out, reluctant to commit to becoming Nico Hulkenberg's teammate while searching opportunities at Red Bull and Mercedes. The biggest reason behind this is Sainz’s ambitions. 

However, with Red Bull seemingly favouring retaining Sergio Perez and Mercedes eyeing Andrea Kimi Antonelli for next season if Max Verstappen remains out of reach, Sainz's prospects at both teams are diminishing. 

As Sainz inches closer to a decision, the risk of turning down a guaranteed long-term future with Audi for uncertain prospects elsewhere grows. If the deadline passes without Sainz's commitment, Audi, eager to secure its drivers early, may pivot towards Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly.

The impending reality of Sainz's potential move to Sauber/Audi has led the current drivers of the squad, Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, to acknowledge that their futures lie elsewhere. Rather than wait and risk being left behind once Sainz's decision is made, Bottas, in particular, is reportedly actively seeking opportunities elsewhere. This was evident at Imola, where he was seen entering Vowles's office for a 15-minute meeting on Saturday.