Dr. Helmut Marko, the Motorsport Consultant of Red Bull, confirmed that discussions are underway between Red Bull and Carlos Sainz about the possibility of him partnering with Max Verstappen in 2025. Sainz, who is currently available on the market for the next season after Ferrari’s decision to hire Lewis Hamilton, has been linked to a possible seat at Mercedes alongside George Russell. On the other hand, Red Bull is considering its options for Verstappen’s teammate. Speculation was fueled by Sainz’s recent meeting with Marko in the Suzuka paddock. Marko has now revealed that talks with Sainz have progressed, although he also mentioned that Sainz has received a lucrative offer from Audi, which is about to take over the Sauber team. According to Marko, Red Bull cannot match or surpass Audi’s proposal.
Perez remains the favorite for the second seat at Red Bull, as the Mexican is having his most successful season since joining the team in 2021.
Although discussions with Sainz have been discussed, Marko has determined that Perez is the top choice for the 2025 season, as long as his current level of performance is maintained.
Marko stated: « It is evident that Checo is having his best season with us. If he can maintain these impressive performances, especially in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, then he is undoubtedly the ideal candidate for Red Bull in 2025. He has become a team player and realized that his radical approach to car setup last year was wrong. Now, his setup is much more aligned with Max’s. »
Marko’s statements about Perez and Sainz will disappoint Daniel Ricciardo, who had hoped to return to Red Bull but has faced difficulties since his return to Formula 1.
La position de Ricciardo au sein de l’équipe sœur de Red Bull, la RB, pourrait être en danger avec Liam Lawson attendant un poste à temps plein. Le pilote néo-zélandais a impressionné lorsqu’il a remplacé Ricciardo lors de cinq courses après que l’australien ait été blessé à la main lors d’un accident d’entraînement à Zandvoort.
« Nous avons un pilote fort en Liam Lawson en tant que pilote de réserve, et il est libre de courir pour une autre équipe en 2025 s’il ne sécurise pas une place avec nous », a expliqué Marko. « Ce serait certainement excitant pour nous de le voir en Formule 1 cette année pour avoir une meilleure compréhension de ses capacités. Cependant, c’est un sujet complexe, et nous devons attendre et observer comment les choses se déroulent. »
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