Max Verstappen has been accused of exerting his influence at Red Bull to secure Sergio Perez’s spot for another season, sidelining the possibility of Carlos Sainz joining the team. Former Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan made the bold claim on the Formula For Success podcast, suggesting Verstappen preferred Perez due to their established dynamic and his ability to outperform the Mexican driver consistently.
Jordan: Verstappen’s Influence Played a Role
Perez endured a difficult 2024 season, finishing eighth in the Drivers’ standings, 285 points behind Verstappen, who clinched his fourth world title. Despite Perez’s struggles and Carlos Sainz’s availability after being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton for 2025, Red Bull opted to extend Perez’s contract mid-season—a decision that Jordan believes was influenced by Verstappen.
“I know that Max put pressure on Christian [Horner],” Jordan claimed. “He did not want Carlos Sainz in the car. He wanted Checo in the car, because he knew he could beat him.”
Jordan argued that retaining Perez may have been a safer option for Verstappen, avoiding potential disruptions in team harmony that could come with reuniting with Sainz, a former Toro Rosso teammate with whom he shares a historically tense relationship.
Sainz and Verstappen: A History of Tension
Sainz, who will race for Williams starting in 2025, previously partnered with Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015, a pairing that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko described as “toxic.” The competitive friction between the two led Red Bull to promote Verstappen while Sainz moved on to Renault, McLaren, and eventually Ferrari.
Reflecting on their past relationship, Sainz downplayed any lingering tensions.
“We were 16 and 19 years old back then. We’ve matured a lot since then,” he said, adding that his relationships with recent teammates like Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have been smooth.
“If my relationship with Max was the reason I didn’t end up there, then I would say that there would have been no problems.”
Perez’s Future Still in Doubt
While Verstappen publicly distanced himself from Red Bull’s decision to retain Perez, stating that it was “up to the team,” speculation persists about Perez’s long-term future. Rumors point to Red Bull’s rising star Liam Lawson as a potential replacement, should Perez’s performance not improve.
A Strategic Call for Red Bull?
Jordan’s comments have reignited debate over whether Red Bull prioritized team harmony over maximizing its Constructors’ Championship potential. Red Bull ultimately finished third in 2024, trailing Ferrari and McLaren—a disappointing result for a team accustomed to dominance.
“It was easier to keep Checo in the car rather than consider a position where it might be better for the team,” Jordan suggested. “They’ll deny it, but that’s just my belief.”
What’s Next for Red Bull?
As Red Bull looks to regain its competitive edge, Verstappen’s role in shaping the team’s dynamics remains pivotal. Whether Perez can bounce back and justify his seat or Red Bull opts for a shake-up with Lawson, the decision will have far-reaching consequences for the team’s performance and morale heading into 2025.
For now, the speculation highlights the complexities of team management in Formula 1, where balancing performance, relationships, and long-term strategy is often as challenging as winning on the track.
