F1 insider reveals why Sainz's move to Red Bull fell apart

Sainz, Verstappen, Pérez, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 insider reveals why Sainz's move to Red Bull fell apart

The Ferrari man was an option to replace Sergio Perez - before the Mexican signed an extension

By Rhys Thomas.

Saturday 8 June 2024 03:00

F1 pundit and journalist Lawrence Barretto has revealed how closely Red Bull looked at Carlos Sainz before opting to renew Sergio Perez's contract.

The Spaniard remains without a drive for 2025 after Ferrari decided to sign Lewis Hamilton to his seat for next season.

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He was in contention for a Red Bull seat, with question marks over the form of Sergio Perez, but the reigning constructors champions elected to stick with the Mexican, and have extended his contract until 2026.

It means that Sainz - who currently lies fourth in the championship - is likely left with just Williams and Sauber/Audi to negotiate with if he wants to find a drive for 2025.

Carlos Sainz was in contention for a Red Bull drive

Sergio Perez has penned a new two-year contract with Red Bull

Was Sainz close to joining Red Bull?

Barretto has revealed the extent of talks between the parties, and it seems negotiations did not progress as far as some may have expected.

It is not clear where Carlos Sainz will drive in 2025

"The team evaluated in-form Carlos Sainz, who has won one race and taken three podiums so far this year, but conversations never accelerated to a point where they got serious," Barretto wrote.

Red Bull instead chose to keep faith with Perez, who has won five races with the team but struggled for consistency over his four seasons there.

It now seems inevitable that Sainz will have to accept a drive in the lower midfield, at least for 2025, as Mercedes appear set to back youngster Kimi Antonelli.

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