Red Bull Racing signed Sergio Perez to partner Max Verstappen in 2021. The Mexican driver has continued to race for Milton Keynes since then. However, rumors surfaced that the Austrian team might be looking to replace Checo after a lackluster 2023 campaign. With Carlos Sainz emerging as a top contender after Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
Carlos Sainz is without a seat for next year at the moment. The Spanish driver has reportedly missed Audi’s deadline to take up a lucrative offer from the German carmaker to race for Sauber before it takes over the team in 2026. As the 29-year-old wants to get a race-winning car in 2025, something which would not be possible at Sauber.
On the other hand, Sergio Perez is eager to get a renewal from Red Bull. Although, the Mexican driver’s initial proposal was reportedly laughed off by the team. Nevertheless, Perez hopes to secure a contract extension. It seems that it would be better for Red Bull to re-sign Checo than reunite with Sainz next season.
Sergio Perez remains the ideal teammate for Max Verstappen compared to Carlos Sainz
Sergio Perez has played second fiddle to Max Verstappen. The 34-year-old has improved his form this season with four second-place results behind Verstappen. The Mexican driver had ambitions of competing against his teammate. However, it seems that Checo has accepted his role as the number 2 at Milton Keynes.
Carlos Sainz, however, might not conform to such a role. The Spanish driver joined Ferrari in 2021 and immediately went up against Charles Leclerc. Leclerc was believed to have built the team around him in Maranello. Nevertheless, Sainz managed to consistently outperform the Monegasque driver and has taken the team’s only two race wins since 2023.
It is clear that Max Verstappen could face a real threat from Sainz. The two had a tense relationship during their debut season in Toro Rosso (now RB). However, Verstappen had outperformed the Spaniard with impressive results. Red Bull could be forced to implement team orders which could further escalate tensions, which could further worsen the situation.
As such, Red Bull would be better off continuing with Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver has overcome his struggles and now serves as the perfect teammate to Max Verstappen. Compared to Carlos Sainz, the 34-year-old would avoid any conflicts with the Dutch driver. Although, there is a chance that Milton Keynes could take a gamble if the situation changes in the coming weeks.
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