Why Carlos Sainz holds all the cards in the driver's market

Usually, the summer period marks the peak of 'silly season', the period when Formula 1 drivers announce their transfers. In 2024, the driver market for next year seems to be fairly locked even before the start of the season: Norris extended his contract at McLaren, Charles Leclerc did the same at Ferrari. Max Verstappen(Red Bull Racing, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell (both Mercedes) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) were already fixed for 2025 anyway. Of the select group of top drivers, only Carlos Sainz's future is unclear: he is in a luxury position.