Carlos Sainz dismisses Red Bull ambitions as Sergio Perez’s future grows increasingly uncertain amid mounting pressure from team leadership.
Carlos Sainz admits he does not fit the “profile” Red Bull is seeking for Max Verstappen’s teammate.
While Sergio Perez insists the team will honor his 2025 contract, team principal Christian Horner and advisor Dr. Helmut Marko now regularly hint that the Mexican’s days at Red Bull are numbered.
“With our performance today, we have absolutely no chance of second place, let alone first place in the championship,” Marko stated, referring to the Constructors’ Championship battle.
“This has been clear for some time, because if you compare Checo’s points to Max’s, you know what the problem is.”
Liam Lawson or last-minute candidate Franco Colapinto seem to top the list if Perez is ousted by Red Bull. Even when Sainz was openly available on the market, the team chose not to reunite Verstappen with his former Toro Rosso teammate.
The Spaniard, set to join Williams in 2025, acknowledges being a victim of F1 politics.
“But everyone is a victim of politics in F1, not just me. I don’t want to play the victim in this situation, far from it, because all drivers are affected by the many variables and considerations teams take into account when signing a driver. It’s not just about speed and talent.”
“In that sense, I view things much more philosophically now, especially with Red Bull. I simply think I’m not the driver Red Bull is looking for at the moment, given the situation the team is in. I might not be the profile of driver they prefer to have.”
Sainz was then asked if he meant Red Bull really needs a clear “number 2” driver alongside Verstappen.
“I didn’t say that,” Sainz replied… with a broad smile.
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Sainz Rules Out Red Bull Role as Perez Faces Uncertainty Sainz Rules Out Red Bull Role as Perez Faces Uncertainty
