Montoya Urges Red Bull: Bring Back Sainz to Replace Pérez

Montoya calls for Red Bull to prioritize experience, advocating Carlos Sainz’s return over risking an unproven rookie against Verstappen.

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull should make every effort to bring Carlos Sainz back into their fold. While rumors suggest Red Bull’s interest in Franco Colapinto, the former driver insists Christian Horner should focus on re-signing Sainz, who will race for Williams F1 in 2025.

“If I were Christian and Red Bull’s team principal, I’d go to Williams and say, ‘You’re happy with Colapinto, keep him and give me Sainz.’ Why risk replacing Checo, who has F1 experience and race wins, with a rookie against Max?” Montoya questions.

“A rookie against Albon is tough but manageable. Look at Albon: whenever he’s been under pressure with a fast teammate, he’s crashed and continues to do so. Max doesn’t make mistakes or falter, so it’s a different level of difficulty.”

The Colombian is convinced Sainz will have an annual exit clause and believes Williams should capitalize on it: “Knowing Carlos, I think he’s told Williams he signed for them, but if he’s not winning or getting podiums, and someone makes him an offer, he’ll leave each year.”

“Red Bull could then tell Williams, ‘You can lose Carlos now or in a year. If now, you get money; next year, you get nothing.’ If it were up to me at Red Bull, I wouldn’t choose Colapinto; I’d choose Carlos.”

Montoya also believes Pérez will remain on the grid next season, motivated by his salary and deserving of the spot: “I think Checo will still be on the grid next year. I don’t think he’ll walk away. The difference with Ricciardo is that Checo earns a lot of money.”

“He gets a lot of criticism, and many people want him out. I don’t know if he deserves it. He hasn’t done badly. You don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors, but many are pushing to put another driver in the car.”