Carlos Sainz is one of the most sought-after drivers in the F1 driver market for 2025. The Spanish driver’s future remains uncertain after Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for next season. However, it seems that the 29-year-old might be used as a way for Red Bull to have leverage over Sergio Perez.
Sergio Perez‘s Red Bull seat is at risk for the upcoming season. The Mexican driver is yet to secure a contract with Milton Keynes. Christian Horner had stated that 16 drivers were interested to replace the 34-year-old, with Sainz potentially being one of them.
However, Carlos Sainz is believed to be Audi’s top pick for next season. The German carmaker has reportedly given a two-week ultimatum to the Spaniard. Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko claimed that Red Bull could not match Audi’s offer to Sainz.
However, Team Principal Christian Horner recently revealed that Milton Keynes had no idea about Sainz’s offer from Audi. This directly contradicted Marko’s words. As such, one of the two Red Bull heads has lied to fans publicly.
Red Bull believes Sergio Perez can perform under pressure
It is clear that Red Bull has been public about its intentions to look for options to replace Perez. If Marko’s words are true and Milton Keynes cannot level Audi’s contract, Christian Horner might have tried to limit damage by labeling it as speculation. As Horner’s comments would hint that Red Bull could put a great deal for Carlos Sainz to replace Checo.
Previously, it was rumored that Red Bull laughed off Perez’s demands for a two-year extension . Notably, it was Helmut Marko who reportedly believed that Sergio Perez performs better under pressure for a new deal. As such, this could be the likely reason for the contradiction in the comments made by the Red Bull leadership. However, it must be noted that neither Horner or Marko have directly each other’s statements.
It is clear that Red Bull is talking to Carlos Sainz. However, Sergio Perez remains a better fit when it comes to playing second-fiddle to Max Verstappen. As such, there is all the reason for Red Bull to try and pressurize Checo, if it could lead to better results. However, it remains to be seen if Perez does indeed secure an extension from Red Bull for 2025.
More must-reads: