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Carlos Sainz Eyes Potential Red Bull Move Following Ferrari Exit
The Formula One off-season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent years, with significant driver movements expected across the grid. Among the most anticipated is Lewis Hamilton’s impending switch to Ferrari, a move that will see Carlos Sainz leave the Italian team after several seasons. While Sainz has been linked with a possible move to Williams for the 2025 season, recent rumors suggest that the Spaniard could make an even bolder career move by joining Red Bull Racing, where he could reunite with Max Verstappen.
Sainz’s Departure from Ferrari
During his time with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz delivered a series of impressive performances, gaining recognition for his consistency and adaptability on the track. His standout moment came during the 2023 season when he became the only non-Red Bull driver to defeat Max Verstappen in a race, securing a memorable victory that further solidified his reputation. Despite these accomplishments, Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari is set to end, as the team has opted to bring in seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, marking a major shift in the Formula One landscape.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari not only signals a new chapter for the iconic Italian outfit but also leaves Sainz with limited options for 2025. While a move to Williams appears to be the most likely scenario, there have been persistent rumors that Sainz could find his way back to Red Bull, sparking speculation across the paddock.
Sainz Open to Red Bull Partnership with Verstappen
In a recent interview, Carlos Sainz addressed the possibility of partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, expressing confidence in their ability to work together despite their past rivalry. Sainz and Verstappen were once teammates at Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s junior team, where they competed fiercely for promotion to the main Red Bull squad. Reflecting on their time as teammates, Sainz dismissed the idea that their rivalry would prevent a successful collaboration in the future.
“If my relationship with Max is the reason I didn’t stay at Red Bull, then I believe that would have been a mistake,” Sainz said, emphasizing that the two drivers have matured significantly since their days at Toro Rosso. He further noted that their competition at the time was largely driven by the team’s cut-throat environment, where drivers were encouraged to outperform each other for a shot at a Red Bull seat.
Sainz is confident that his relationship with Verstappen would be far different today, given their growth and experience over the years. “We were 16 and 19 then, and we have matured a lot since those days,” he explained. “At Toro Rosso, the environment was set up for us to compete against each other. But if we were to be teammates again now, we would work together differently, especially if we were competing for a championship.”
Sainz also pointed to his recent relationships with his teammates, Charles Leclerc at Ferrari and Lando Norris at McLaren, as examples of his ability to work constructively within a team. “You can see it with Charles and Lando, my last two teammates. There were never any problems,” Sainz said, suggesting that a partnership with Verstappen could be similarly harmonious.
While it remains to be seen whether Sainz will ultimately join Red Bull, his openness to the idea and confidence in a potential collaboration with Verstappen has only added to the intrigue surrounding the 2025 driver market. With several key moves expected in the coming months, the Formula One grid could look very different by the time the
next season begins.
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