Carlos Sainz, a former Red Bull Junior Team member, has not completely closed the chapter with his old F1 family. Despite being passed over for a Red Bull Racing seat after his Ferrari exit in 2024, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed that the door remains open for a potential return in the future.
Sainz’s Post-Ferrari Career: A Twist in His F1 Journey
Sainz’s exit from Ferrari followed the arrival of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, creating waves in the F1 driver market. While Sainz was linked with top-tier teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, no agreements materialized.
Instead, the Spaniard signed a multi-year contract with Williams, where he will partner with Alex Albon in the 2025 season. Meanwhile, other major teams opted to promote their young talent. Red Bull elevated Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez, while Mercedes promoted academy star Kimi Antonelli to their main roster.
Christian Horner’s Take on Sainz’s Future at Red Bull
Horner explained Red Bull’s decision to prioritize their junior program, which saw them promote young drivers like Lawson and Isack Hadjar into key roles. However, he acknowledged Sainz’s talent and did not rule out the possibility of him joining Red Bull in the future:
“Carlos is a great driver, and options still remain open with him in the future.”
Horner emphasized that Red Bull’s decision to prioritize internal promotions strengthens the appeal of their junior program:
“We would always prefer to give opportunities to our junior drivers. That attracts more young talent because they see a clear pathway to Formula 1. If we’d gone outside the program, it would send the wrong message.”
This strategy ensures Red Bull remains competitive in securing young talents from an early age.
Sainz’s Talks with Alpine End in Disagreement
Sainz also entered discussions with Alpine, but those talks ended when the Spaniard requested the freedom to leave if a top team made an offer. Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore revealed why they couldn’t agree:
“Either he believes in our program, or he doesn’t. I don’t need a driver concerned about leaving for another team.”
Sainz’s desire to keep his options open ultimately worked against him in securing a deal with Alpine.
A New Chapter with Williams
At Williams, Sainz finds himself at the heart of a rebuilding process. Partnering with Alex Albon, Sainz will aim to bring his expertise and determination to help Williams improve their standing in Formula 1.
Despite the challenges, Sainz’s talent remains undeniable, and Christian Horner’s comments indicate that his path to a championship-contending team like Red Bull may still be alive.
Red Bull’s Current Roster Focus
For 2025, Liam Lawson joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, while Isack Hadjar steps up to Racing Bulls to partner with Yuki Tsunoda. The promotion of these young drivers underscores Red Bull’s commitment to fostering talent within their own ranks.
Sainz’s Future in Formula 1
While Red Bull has opted to focus on their junior drivers, Sainz’s strong performances and tenacity make him a potential candidate for future opportunities. His journey at Williams Racing will undoubtedly be a key proving ground, offering him the chance to demonstrate why he deserves another shot at a championship-winning team.
This story is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Formula 1, where a blend of youth development and proven talent continues to shape the grid.