Fired by Ferrari, Sainz eyes partnership with Verstappen – The Formula One off-season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with several blockbuster moves on the horizon. Chief among them is Lewis Hamilton’s imminent move to Ferrari, a move that will see Carlos Sainz forced out of the iconic Italian outfit.
Sainz is set to join Williams, but recent rumours suggest that the Spaniard could make an even more ambitious move to Red Bull Racing. With Sainz openly expressing his confidence in his compatibility with Max Verstappen, the speculation is adding fuel to an already heated driver market.
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Sainz’s Ferrari journey comes to an end
Carlos Sainz has produced some outstanding performances for Ferrari during his tenure, earning praise for his consistency and racing skills. Most notably, he became the only non-Red Bull driver to beat Max Verstappen on track during the 2023 season, securing a memorable victory.
Despite these achievements, Sainz’s time with the Scuderia will come to an end as Ferrari opt to replace him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari represents a seismic shift in the F1 landscape, leaving Sainz with limited options for 2025. Williams has emerged as his most likely destination, but whispers of a possible move to Red Bull have added an intriguing twist.
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Sainz: “I would get on well with Max”
In a recent interview, Sainz addressed the possibility of teaming up with Verstappen at Red Bull and expressed confidence in their ability to work together. Reflecting on their past experience as teammates at Toro Rosso, Sainz dismissed suggestions that their past rivalry could hinder a future partnership.
“If my relationship with Max is the reason why I didn’t finish there [at Red Bull], then I say there would have been no problems,” Sainz explained.
“If the decision was based on that alone, then it would simply be a mistake. But I have already told them that.”
The Spaniard highlighted how both he and Verstappen have matured since their Toro Rosso days, when they were pitted against each other in a cut-throat battle for promotion to Red Bull.
“We were 16 and 19 then and we have matured a lot since then,” he said. “At Toro Rosso, they put you in a team and say, ‘Fight against each other and whoever is the best will go to Red Bull. You don’t work together for the championship, otherwise the behaviour of the two drivers would change completely.”
Sainz insisted that his recent relationships with teammates Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris demonstrate his ability to work constructively in a team environment.
“You can see it with Charles and Lando, my last two team colleagues. There were never any problems,” he added, hinting that a partnership with Verstappen could be just as harmonious.
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Sainz on Verstappen’s personality
Sainz also offered a nuanced perspective on Verstappen’s personality, suggesting that the Dutchman’s public image may not fully reflect his character.
“On the inside, a driver can look very different,” said Sainz.
“As a driver, you are always playing with how you are perceived from the outside. I don’t want to say that Max isn’t who he is, but you have to be careful with this kind of analysis.”
Comparing Verstappen’s approach to other drivers, Sainz noted the different levels of transparency among his peers.
“Lando has decided to reveal a bit more about himself. I don’t know if I’m somewhere in between or more in one direction, but – as I said – you have to be careful with this kind of analysis.”
These comments suggest that Sainz not only respects Verstappen’s talent but also recognises the complexity of his personality, adding weight to his claim that they could form a strong partnership.
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Red Bull Rumours: A serious possibility?
The possibility of Sainz joining Red Bull has gained traction in recent weeks, fuelled by speculation over Sergio Pérez’s future with the team. Despite being contracted until 2026, Pérez’s inconsistent performances in 2024 have led to questions about his long-term viability in Red Bull’s highly competitive environment.
Sainz’s potential availability matches Red Bull’s need for a driver who can complement Verstappen while delivering consistent results.
Sainz’s proven ability to squeeze performance out of underpowered machinery – demonstrated during his time at McLaren and Ferrari – makes him a compelling candidate for Red Bull’s second seat.
Furthermore, Sainz’s Toro Rosso roots and familiarity with Red Bull’s culture could make for a smoother transition than an external hire. With Verstappen at the peak of his powers, Red Bull could see Sainz as the ideal partner to maximise their Constructors’ Championship prospects.
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The road ahead for Sainz
For Carlos Sainz, the coming months will be crucial in determining his next career moves. While a move to Williams seems a foregone conclusion, the rumours linking him to Red Bull present an intriguing opportunity. If Red Bull see Sainz as the right man to challenge Verstappen internally or consolidate the team’s dominance, the Spaniard could find himself back in the fold of the team that nurtured his early F1 career.
Sainz’s ability to adapt to different teams and environments, coupled with his mature approach to racing, makes him a valuable asset in the ever-competitive driver market. Whether he wears the blue and red of Red Bull or the white and blue of Williams, Sainz is set to remain a key figure in the evolving story of Formula One.
As the off-season unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on Sainz’s movements, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his F1 journey.
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Ricciardo’s exit fuels tempers: F1 team CEO defends himself amid accusations – The mid-season departure of a prominent Formula One driver is bound to spark debate, and Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from the Racing Bulls team was no exception. The Australian’s sudden removal from his seat, leaving him without a proper farewell, sparked widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Accusations of poor handling and a lack of respect were levelled at the team. However, in a surprising twist, Racing Bull CEO Peter Bayer has stepped forward to reveal that Ricciardo himself played a significant role in the timing and manner of the announcement.
In a candid interview with *Auto, Motor und Sport*, Bayer shared insights into the events leading up to Ricciardo’s departure, providing a deeper understanding of the driver’s wishes and the team’s efforts to respect them…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
