Red Bull chief admits out of contract driver's form 'fascinating'

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has been monitoring former junior driver and current Ferrari star Carlos Sainz’s form so far in 2024.

The Spaniard delivered a heroic performance at the Australian Grand Prix to win on his comeback from appendicitis surgery just two weeks prior.

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It was the best time to deliver a result for a man who finds himself without a Formula 1 drive for 2025 after being replaced by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

There are vacant seats at teams elsewhere on the grid including the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes – who are in need of a dependable second driver.

He could also opt for a long-term project with the likes of Audi or Williams, but Sainz is likely in win now mode as he enters the prime of his career.

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Speaking to Laola1, Helmut Marko discussed the form of current driver Sergio Perez and the Scuderia’s Carlos Sainz.

“Of course, his form is fascinating,” he said.

“But you have to realise that Checo [Perez] delivered three good races this year. The fact that he fell back so much in Melbourne was due to the damaged underbody and tyre degradation.

“His only weakness is in qualifying. If he can improve there, there’s no need to think about it. The atmosphere in the team is very good also as far as he is concerned.”

For now, it seems that Red Bull are very satisfied with Sergio Perez’s performances, with the Mexican having raised his levels this season.

If he can continue to back up Max Verstappen properly, he could drive himself into a fresh contract with the current fastest team on the grid.

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