Sainz and Red Bull: Sealed with a handshake?
He’s one of the most topical, unemployed drivers at the moment being the only driver to outwit Red Bulls masterclass in the past year, and a simple handshake has made it looking more and more likely that the Austrian team could become Carlos Sainz’s home in 2025.
Since it was announced that Lewis Hamilton would be replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari from 2025 onwards, the gossip trains have been full steam ahead in throwing almost every team in the mix for his potential seat in 2025.
Amongst suggestions of a move to Mercedes or Sauber in anticipation of Audi’s entry in 2026, Red Bull is growing stronger as a front-runner in Sainz’s books.
Rumours of a return to the Red Bull brand have been amplified by a moment captured by photographers in the Japanese Grand Prix paddock this weekend.
Carlos Sainz speaks to Helmut Marko during the Japanese GP on Friday. Image: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images.
The photos have since been publicised, highlighting the Ferrari driver interacting with Red Bull higher-ups on Friday.
Sainz was seen shaking hands with Red Bull team consultant Helmut Marko, a move which followed a decent conversation between the two keen parties and Sky Germany presenter, Peter Hardenacke.
The two previously worked together in F1 in 2015, 2016 and part of 2017 when Sainz first joined the grid with Toro Rosso, poetically alongside a young Max Verstappen.
As it stands, Sergio Perez’s seat next to Verstappen is at risk from several hungry drivers, including both RB drivers.
As for the Mercedes seat, it seems F2 driver Kimi Antonelli is still the favourite to partner up with George Russell, however, its still a long season and Sainz’s Australian efforts post-apendicitis surgery may have helped to sway the Mercedes Team Principal’s mind.
Helmut Marko and Frederic Vasseur shake hands in Jeddah. Image: Mark Sutton / Sutton Images.
On Friday, Sainz also brought up the fact that Toto Wolff flew home with his camp from Australia.
The #55 told the telling story of Wolff joining the team in celebrating the Spaniard’s sensational comeback win in Melbourne, accompanied by his father, four-time Dakar Rally champion Carlos Sainz Snr, his manager and the rest of the Ferrari squad.
Both interactions have left the F1 world reading between the lines, hedging their bets on where the Spaniard will end up in 2025 following what is expected to be a chaotic Formula 1 silly season.
2024 Japanese Grand Prix
Friday, April 5
Practice 1: 13.30-14.30
Practice 2: 17.00-18.00
Saturday, April 6
Practice 3: 13.30-14.30
Qualifying: 17.00-18.00
Sunday, April 7
Grand Prix: 15.00
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