When Carlos Sainz – a free agent for 2025 due to his release from Ferrari to make room for Lewis Hamilton – considers his future options, an opportunity at Red Bull stands out as the most logical choice. This is especially true considering the uncertainties surrounding Mercedes and their ongoing struggles with the current regulations.
The question of whether Sainz would replace a departing Max Verstappen or join him as his teammate, potentially taking Sergio Perez’s place, adds another layer of complexity to the decision. The power dynamics within Red Bull further complicate things, as Horner’s ability to maintain his position depends on his ability to challenge Verstappen’s threat to leave, which he did during the race in Jeddah.
Horner’s positive comments about Sainz in Melbourne, highlighting his potential value to the team, align with his strategy of sending a message to the Verstappens: “Carlos in a Red Bull versus Max in a Mercedes. How do you think that would play out?”
However, let’s consider the possibility that Horner’s interest in Sainz is genuine and persists even if Verstappen decides to stay. The current truce between Horner, Marko, and Mintzlaff, the key figures of Red Bull’s parent company, means that none of them are going anywhere for now. With Marko in charge, Verstappen’s reasons for leaving and his contractual ability to do so are no longer valid.
Given the volatile nature of the situation, all assumptions must be made with caution. However, could Sainz be a viable alternative to Perez alongside Verstappen in 2025?
An obstacle frequently cited is the tension that existed between Sainz and Verstappen when they were teammates at Toro Rosso from 2015 to 2016. Although many things have changed since then, some of the dynamics remain relevant, albeit in the opposite direction. This may make Sainz an attractive option for Horner precisely because he may not be as attractive to the Verstappens.
During their time at Toro Rosso, the dynamics were influenced by Marko’s determination to bring Max into the Red Bull family, which Jos Verstappen resisted. Marko had been convinced of Max’s exceptional talent since 2012, when Max was still in karting. However, Jos was reluctant to let Max join any junior driver program, as it would mean giving up control and limiting his bargaining power in the future. Jos believed it was best for Max to remain independent and continue to make a strong impression at each stage of his career.
Jos’s strategy turned out to be correct, as he successfully resisted Marko’s pressure until the right moment, securing Max’s Formula 1 contract. The Verstappens’ challenge demonstrated their independence and influence within the organization, a dynamic that continues to this day.
Sainz, on the other hand, had a different journey to Toro Rosso. He had been part of the Red Bull junior team for several years, earning his place through consistent results in Formula Renault 2.0 and Renault 3.5. While Carlos Sr., the legendary rally world champion, supported his son’s career, he remained in the background, intervening only when necessary.
Despite their different paths, Sainz proved to be a formidable competitor. With five seasons of single-seater experience compared to Verstappen’s one, Sainz had a solid foundation, competitive drive, and abundant talent. There was little to separate the two rookies on track, with Sainz often outperforming Verstappen in qualifying and Verstappen shining in races.
Their dynamic was established early on, with Sainz qualifying for Q3 in their first race together, the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, while Verstappen did not. Jos, watching from the garage, was displeased with Max’s timing and expressed his concerns to Marko. This incident highlighted the Verstappens’ determination not to be subordinate to anyone within the team.
Although Sainz faced setbacks, such as a missed podium opportunity in Monaco due to a stuck wheel nut, he remained focused and continued to compete. The issue of race plans resurfaced in Sochi 2016, Max’s final race with Toro Rosso, when his engineers deviated from the plan to give him a more favorable position. This led to Tost’s anger and the dismissal of two engineers, who were subsequently reassigned by Marko.
Max’s exceptional talent, managed and expressed through his team, gives him a level of independence even when he and Red Bull achieve great success together. Jos is vocal in defending Max’s best interests, even publicly opposing decisions that may not be favorable to him, such as prioritizing Perez’s pit stops in Monaco in 2022. Marko is often tasked with mediating between Jos and the race team, but conflicts inevitably arise.
The underlying tension between Horner and the Verstappens has become more pronounced in the current power struggle, exacerbated by Horner’s alleged behavior and Mateschitz’s absence. Jos and Max have firmly aligned themselves with Marko, with Jos publicly calling for Horner’s resignation. Horner, struggling to maintain control of the team, is prepared to let Max go if necessary, although he would prefer him to stay on certain terms.
From Horner’s perspective, recruiting Sainz would be an attractive option as it would reduce the team’s reliance on Max. If Max were to decide to stay, Sainz’s presence would provide a more competitive teammate than he has faced in recent years, potentially shifting the balance of power within the team. Meanwhile, Sainz would focus on his performance, as he has done in the past.
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Soccer is an exciting sport that attracts millions of fans around the world. With talented players and thrilling matches, the beautiful game always surprises us. And today was no different. In an electrifying match, the home team secured a spectacular victory.
The game started with a lot of intensity, with both teams seeking to attack from the first minute. The visiting team opened the scoring early on, leaving the home fans worried. However, the home team did not falter and pushed forward in search of the equalizer.
The equalizer came in an incredible play, with a precise shot that found the back of the net. The fans went wild and the stadium turned into a real party. From then on, the game became even more thrilling, with goal-scoring opportunities for both sides.
In the second half, the home team showed their superiority and dominated the match. With quick and efficient plays, the team managed to score two more goals, turning the game around and securing the victory. The players were cheered on by the fans, who kept singing and cheering.
With this victory, the home team remains in the lead of the championship and continues to push for the title. The players are confident and determined to win the trophy. The fans are also excited and promise to pack the stadium for every game.
Football is truly an incredible sport, capable of providing us with unforgettable moments. This match was further proof of that. The emotion, passion, and adrenaline were present in every play. Here’s to more thrilling games like this one!
