Aston Martin might be one of the highest-profile teams on the Formula 1 grid looking for a new driver in 2025.
Drive to Survive showed this year that when Lawrence Stroll wants something, he tends to get it, but he also has a more charitable side.
Writing on the Formula 1 website, journalist Lawrence Barretto has shared who Aston Martin’s executive chairman is now targeting for his team.
One seat in the team appears to be set for the foreseeable future.
Lawrence is unlikely to sack his son Lance any time soon even though he’s typically some way off his teammate during each race weekend.
He scored decent points last season, but it’s no surprise that Fernando Alonso secured all eight of the team’s podiums in 2023.
Alonso is entering the final year of his deal and is being courted by Red Bull.
There’s also a vacant seat at Mercedes that might be appealing to the 42-year-old.
Stroll is therefore taking a keen interest in future free agent Carlos Sainz and could bring him to Aston Martin sooner rather than later.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage
Lawrence Stroll interested in signing Carlos Sainz for Aston Martin
All eyes are on what Carlos Sainz is going to do heading into next season.
With more than half of the grid hoping to secure either their current seat or a new one in the paddock, they’re watching the three-time winner very closely.
He’s one of the most appealing available options and on top of that is the only one who definitely won’t have a contract offer from his current team on the table.
Not only that, but Sainz appears to be even quicker than in previous years despite only recently recovering from major surgery.
He would almost certainly be on the Drivers’ Championship had he not missed the race in Saudi Arabia and if that form continues then he might have Ferrari questioning their decision to let him go.
Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll senses an opportunity and is very interested in Sainz.
He’s not the only driver the Canadian billionaire is keen on as he would also do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure the signature of another star on the grid if the chance arises.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height
Carlos Sainz’s F1 future having a big impact on the grid
Talking about who Sainz could be an option for next year, Barretto said: “In terms of pure performance, Aston Martin are the third best option for Sainz, with billionaire Lawrence Stroll’s team believed to be interested in potentially securing the Spaniard’s services.
“Aston will have a works power unit partner in the shape of Honda – who have built the best F1 power unit in recent years – from 2026, while a new factory will soon allow them to do all of their car in-house, rather than taking the suspension, hydraulics and gearbox from Mercedes.
“These enhancements make them a potentially potent force in the future and would be a solid if not spectacular project in the short term, but potentially very exciting in the long term.
“Yes, Aston have publicly said they want to keep Alonso for next year, with the double world champion saying he would give the team first refusal when he wants to discuss his future. However, Sainz remains very much in the mix here.”
Aston Martin need to make steps forward to convince Sainz they’re the real deal – opinion
Lawrence Stroll has the aura of a man who could convince anyone to join Aston Martin but if he really wants Carlos Sainz then the team may need to improve their on-track performance.
Having already hired former world champions Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso in the past, their lack of pedigree hasn’t been a barrier for world-class drivers in the past.
However, if there’s a possibility that a seat at Red Bull or Mercedes is available next year, then Aston Martin will be third or possibly lower on Sainz’s priority list.
He may even prefer a move to Sauber even though they’re slower as he’d be their guaranteed number-one driver ahead of Audi’s arrival.
The post ‘Believed to be interested’: Lawrence Stroll very keen on hiring 20-podium star for Aston Martin – journalist appeared first on F1 Oversteer.