Latest shock in F1 driver market: Red Bull reconsidering Carlos Sainz amid 2025 seat
11/04/2024 03:18 PM
In Formula 1, surprises are always possible, but the latest rumor from Brazil is truly astonishing. It seems that Red Bull, central to the F1 driver market, has once again placed Carlos Sainz on its radar.
To be clear, this remains a long-shot scenario. The Spanish driver has already signed a contract with Williams, and it seems unlikely he would leave before even starting with the team. However, it appears there's a special clause in the current Ferrari driver's contract. This clause would allow Carlos Sainz to depart if a top team, in this case Red Bull, were to make an offer.
Everything Revolves Around Franco Colapinto
But why has the possibility of Carlos Sainz joining Red Bull resurfaced in the driver market? The answer lies in a factor that wasn't part of the equation a few months ago: Franco Colapinto.
The Argentine driver, called in to replace Logan Sargeant, has impressed everyone in his first F1 races. Currently, he doesn't have a seat for 2025, but many people don't want to see him leave the grid. The only free seat is with Audi/Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg, but that spot seems destined for Gabriel Bortoleto. Are all doors closed for Franco Colapinto then? Not exactly. Red Bull has shown concrete interest in the 2023 rookie. In Argentina, some are even speculating that he will partner Max Verstappen next Formula 1 season.
Christian Horner's Visit to Williams
Rumors of driver moves were fueled by Christian Horner's visit to the Williams hospitality suite on Friday in Brazil. Initially thought to be a meeting about Franco Colapinto, some sources have raised the possibility of a conversation about Carlos Sainz.
With it now clear that Sergio Perez will likely not stay alongside Max Verstappen next year, the question remains as to who will replace the Mexican driver. Possible names include Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and, at this point, Carlos Sainz.
The only way for this scenario to materialize is if Williams is determined to keep the Argentine driver and if Red Bull does not see the VCARB drivers as viable options. The Grove team could decide to release Carlos Sainz in order to hold onto a talent valuable for both the present and future.
The Right Move for Red Bull?
"Christian Horner should negotiate a price to bring Carlos Sainz to Red Bull and let Williams keep Franco Colapinto," former driver Karun Chandhok said on Sky Sports F1. "This season has shown that having two points-scoring drivers is crucial."
In short, while it's hard to believe, it's certainly an intriguing possibility. We probably won't have any answers until after Abu Dhabi, but Red Bull could shake up the driver market with a Carlos Sainz move.
Source: f1ingenerale
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