Marko statements: Sainz back to Red Bull? Off-track driver moves can be as exciting and unpredictable as the races themselves in the world of Formula One. The latest seismic shift in the driver market involves none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is making a blockbuster move from Mercedes to Ferrari at the end of 2024.
The decision not only reshapes the landscape of two of the sport’s most storied teams, but also casts a shadow over the future of Carlos Sainz, who currently occupies a seat at Ferrari but will need to find a new team quickly.
Hamilton’s Ferrari move: a new chapter
The announcement that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari next season sent shockwaves through the Formula One community. Both Mercedes and Ferrari confirmed the news after this website among others declared the deal first thing this morning on February the 1st, marking the end of an era for Hamilton at Mercedes and the beginning of a much-anticipated chapter with Ferrari.
Hamilton’s move to the Prancing Horse is not only a personal career milestone, it also represents a significant shift in the balance of power within Formula One.
“Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract,” declared the official Ferrari account on X.com.
Sainz knew Hamilton had been signed for some time
It has emerged that Carlos Sainz and very likely Charles Leclerc were privy to the monumental shift in the driver lineup well before the public revelation according to Italia Sky Sport reporter Carlo Vanzini was quoted as saying today:
“What we know for Carlos is at the moment sure he’ll drive for Ferrari in 2024, his group and Carlos knew that Lewis was coming from last week, and I think that Charles knew before signing his new contract”
The news of Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, a move that has stirred the Formula 1 community to its core, was not as sudden to those within the Scuderia’s inner circle. For weeks, both Sainz and Leclerc had been aware of the discussions and the impending arrival of the seven-time World Champion to their team.
This foreknowledge underscores the complex dynamics and the often-precarious nature of relationships and contracts in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing and would almost certainly spurred Sainz onto seeking a new deal elsewhere, including Red Bull.
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The ripple effect: Sainz’s uncertain future
Amid the fanfare surrounding Hamilton’s move, the spotlight has now turned to Carlos Sainz, the man whose seat Hamilton will take. Sainz, who joined Ferrari from McLaren in 2021, has proven to be a formidable competitor, winning two races and becoming the only non-Red Bull driver to win a GP in 2023.
However, with Charles Leclerc securing a long-term deal with Ferrari, Sainz’s tenure with the team is set to end at the end of 2024.
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Sainz’s clear stance and Ferrari’s response
Carlos Sainz has been vocal about his discomfort at entering the final year of a contract without clarity on his future. His past experiences with Red Bull and Renault have shaped his approach, emphasising the importance of securing his future early on.
Despite his preference to remain with Ferrari, as evidenced by his only Grand Prix win with the team in 2023, Sainz has been open about exploring other options should Ferrari fail to meet his expectations.
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Sainz speaks out
Carlos Sainz broke his silence on the matter with a dignified statement on social media. The Spaniard promised to do his “absolute best” for Ferrari next season and expressed his commitment to the team and its passionate fans. While Sainz promised to announce news of his future “in due course”, his statement did little to quell speculation about his next move.
“Following today’s news,” said Sainz in an official statement,
“Scuderia Ferrari and myself have decided to part ways at the end of 2024. We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best to the team and for the Tifosi all around the world,
“News about my future will be announced in due course”
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Speculation swirls
Where Sainz will end up is the subject of much speculation. Reports have linked him with several teams, including newcomers Audi, who will enter the sport as a works team in 2026. Sainz’s ties to Audi, through his father Carlos Sainz Sr, have fuelled rumours of a possible move.
However, the landscape is complex, with options at Mercedes and Aston Martin also being considered but what is being considered most likely by those in the know, is a return to Red Bull and specifically Red Bull Racing, to partner Max Verstappen once again.
Red Bull: A return on the horizon?
This possibility emerged from comments made by Dr Helmut Marko and whispers from insiders at Milton Keynes known to this website. A key figure at Red Bull Racing, Marko praised Sainz’s abilities and recalled his time at Toro Rosso, where Sainz and Max Verstappen were teammates.
While acknowledging the difficult decision to choose Verstappen over Sainz in the past, Marko’s words have sparked rumours of a possible Sainz return to Red Bull. This speculation is further fuelled by Sainz’s request for a release clause in his contract extension with Ferrari, with a seat at Red Bull possibly in his sights should the opportunity arise.
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A Red Bull partnership?
As the F1 world turns its attention to next season, the story of Carlos Sainz’s future is full of potential twists and turns. While the Spaniard’s immediate focus is on giving his best for Ferrari, the underlying story points to a tantalising possibility: Sainz could be poised to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
This outcome, while unconfirmed, is supported by the breadcrumbs of speculation and strategic moves within the sport. Sainz’s proven talent, combined with Red Bull’s search for a strong counterpart to Verstappen, makes the scenario increasingly likely. If Sainz does join Red Bull, it will not only mark a significant step in his career, but also reignite one of the most intriguing partnerships in recent F1 history.
In Formula 1, the race is not only on the track, but also in the strategic decisions made behind the scenes. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this high-stakes game of musical chairs plays out, with Sainz’s next move one of the most eagerly anticipated developments in the sport.
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MORE F1 NEWS: Hamilton to Ferrari CONFIRMED
As the Formula One world gears up for the upcoming Bahrain test, a compelling rumour is taking the circuit by storm. It involves none other than record world champion Lewis Hamilton and the iconic Ferrari team. Speculation is rife that Hamilton could be donning the prestigious red of Ferrari as early as next year, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard whispers of a possible move to Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton, the celebrated Mercedes driver. The rumour mill has been active before, but this time the gossip seems…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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“Scuderia Ferrari and myself have decided to part ways at the end of 2024”
Oh yeah fool, I’m sure it was a mutual decision after months of wanting an extension to his original contract!!
Sainz was only comfortable at Ferrari whilst Binotto was in charge, witness the mistakes made by Ferrari during the 2022 British GP when Leclerc was left out on old tyres whilst the Spaniard and others pitted for new softs.
Watching Binotto’s finger pointing at Leclerc in parc ferme afterwards I think led to his departure from the team. He wouldn’t blame any incompetency in the team and belittled their star driver.
I’d love this toxic character to find a berth at Red Bull which would disrupt the team, or join Audi who have a long building process ahead of them.
My fear is that he will be less of a team player this year than he was previously.
There was a lot of doubt when Vasseur was appointed but his removal of Rueda Inoke, the strategist and several others is healthy.
And it appears that convincing Leclerc to stay, when it was muted he would be joining Mercedes after 2024 and now Hamilton being seduced by the Ferrari rebuild is admirable. Then again Fred knows both individual from their respective F3 and F2 campaigns earlier in their career.
Sainz to Stake Sauber for 2025 to replace Zhou ( current 1 yr. 2024 contract ) then still there when turns to Audi in 2026. Alex Albon to Mercedes in 2025 to takes Hamilton’s place ( Williams v. good friends with Merc. they’ll allow it )
Personally, I am pleased to read Lewis is moving. To Ferrari? Yes, I think that is good too. What I cannot fathom is the timing! Why tell all the fans now? The teams will be lukewarm in encouragement for this year fo the drivers who have announced changes in 2025. If I was a mechanic (or any position) at Mercedes, I would not be genuine in my support to Lewis, nor would I be surprized if pit stops were slow, or not called when necessary. You see the conflict? Would it not be better for the contracts to be actioned NOW, this February, rather than play act the next 12 months? No doubt someone will rubbish my comments! I have been an F1 fan since I accidentally saw (live in person) the South African GP at Kyalami in 1974. Some guy took me from Johannesburg to see “some cars racing”!!
Jeremy, you make valid points about how early this has all transpired yet this happened in 2005 also, when Alonso signed to join McLaren for 2007.
It didn’t seem to affect either him or the Renault team in 2006 as they won both titles and I guess it speaks volumes about the mentality at elite levels.
I remember the original Kyalami, what a track, so much history, and those 70’s cars