Carlos Sainz, the talent overlooked by Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season, questions the team’s decision to seek a secondary driver to support Max Verstappen. Sainz, perplexed by Red Bull’s strategy, firmly believes in the power of dual top tier drivers, who he contends would push each other to greater heights.
The 2024 season marked the end of Sainz’s tenure with Ferrari. His departure was precipitated by the availability of Lewis Hamilton, leading Ferrari to decide not to renew his contract. Not long after this, Sainz found himself in discussions with Red Bull and Mercedes. However, these talks abruptly ceased as Mercedes secured Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull renewed a contract with Sergio Perez, only to part ways with him at the end of the season, promoting Liam Lawson instead.
The Red Bull management explicitly stated their reluctance to pair Sainz with Verstappen. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, recalled the “toxic” relationship between the two during their time in the junior team. In addition, team principal Christian Horner hinted at the importance of the “criteria and dynamics” of team pairing.
Marko recently clarified the role of the team’s second driver, stating that this individual should consistently score points and assist Verstappen when necessary. However, Sainz is not in the market to be a mere supporting act. He voiced his confusion over why a team wouldn’t want two drivers who can inspire and lead each other to greater performances.
Drawing from his experiences with team-mates at McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams, Sainz stated, “If I were a team boss in the future, that’s what I would look for. Two top drivers who push each other and lead together.” He further disclosed that Williams’ 2025 line-up embodies this vision of shared leadership.
Despite this, Sainz noted that Williams is currently leaning on him due to his experience and insight from his time at Ferrari. He was quick to clarify that this doesn’t mean his new teammate, Alex, won’t lead. He was effusive about the respect and attention he has received from Williams from the onset, marking it as a positive surprise and a potential area where he can make significant contributions.
Sainz is hopeful his efforts will help Williams climb the ranks after a disappointing ninth-place finish last season. The team garnered a mere 17 points, a stark contrast to Ferrari’s 652. Sainz acknowledged that transitioning from racing at the front to wrestling in the pack presents one of his “biggest challenges” with Williams.
He further elaborated on the mental adjustment required, stating, “I don’t know if in the first race or in the eighth, but I remember how it felt to get a ninth place when you did things perfectly and beat twelve drivers who you know you have a very similar car…” Despite this, Sainz remains motivated and anticipates a competitive and exciting grid, fuelled by a mix of highly driven rookies and experienced drivers like Fernando and Pierre.
