Sensational rumor from Italian media: Carlos Sainz is reportedly close to a deal with Red Bull starting in 2025. Is Verstappen out?
In what seemed to be a relatively calm period, Formula 1 appears to have been rocked by a major upheaval: according to Formula Passion, Carlos Sainz is increasingly close to reaching an agreement with Red Bull for next season, securing one of the two seats, either that of Sergio Perez or the more prestigious spot of Max Verstappen.
Sainz-Red Bull: Not the First Time
Carlos Sainz and his entourage have never hidden their ambition to join Red Bull, the Academy from which the Spaniard hails and the environment he has already worked with. This aspiration has also raised doubts within Audi, which hoped to convince the Spanish driver to join their project for 2026. However, Sainz, supported by his father, has never quite accepted the treatment he received from Ferrari, which ousted him to make room for the more successful Lewis Hamilton. As we know, since February, Carlos has been actively seeking a new top-tier opportunity, leaving many doubts and all doors open.
On the other hand, Red Bull would have much to gain from signing Sainz. Sergio Perez, currently the second driver for the Milton Keynes team, has shown another decline in performance since the beginning of the season, despite the contract renewal until 2026 that seemed to have relieved some pressure from his shoulders. Horner’s statements, suggesting that Perez quickly improve his performance, have fueled rumors about the future of his seat.
A Verstappen-Sainz duo could prove to be significantly more competitive, increasing the team’s chances of winning the Constructors’ Championship and the associated financial benefits, given that McLaren and Mercedes currently appear very determined to claim the team title.
Verstappen Unconvinced: Possible Farewell?
The crucial issue, however, is Max Verstappen, who does not seem enthusiastic about the idea of having Sainz as a teammate. The Dutch driver, aware of the strength and character of the Spaniard, has clearly expressed his reservations. Additionally, there is a history of less-than-ideal relations between the two families, stemming from the 2015 season when both drivers were teammates at Toro Rosso.
Moreover, recent internal tensions within the Red Bull team, stemming from personal scandals and complex dynamics, have created a less than serene environment: a scenario that has given Mercedes, specifically its team principal Toto Wolff, a unique opportunity. Wolff is determined to bring Verstappen to Stuttgart, aware of the recent performances of the W15, pairing the Dutchman with George Russell.
And if Max indeed moves to Mercedes, Sainz would not only find a place at Red Bull but could potentially become the leading driver of the team: an incredible turn of events that could paradoxically see the Spaniard potentially benefit from his departure from Maranello at the end of 2024.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP
