Helmut Marko responds after Carlos Sainz to Red Bull rumours
The Spaniard has been linked with a move to the team after news that Lewis Hamilton will be taking his seat at Ferrari
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Carlos Sainz is unlikely to join Red Bull, team advisor Helmut Marko has suggested, with the Spaniard likely to have decided on his next destination before Red Bull decide if they have a seat to offer him.
Sainz will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season with Lewis Hamilton joining the Italian outfit to partner Charles Leclerc.
It means the 29-year-old will have to seek an alternative seat on the grid, with significant speculation over a number of suitors.
The Spanish driver came through Red Bull’s youth set-up and spent his formative years in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso, and has been connected with a possible return to replace Sergio Perez.
But veteran director Marko, who has headed up Red Bull’s driver development pathway, has indicated to Kleine Zeitung that the team will not be ready to make a decision on Perez’s future until “after the summer break” — by which time he believes Sainz may already have headed elsewhere.
Marko also ruled out Alex Albon, who is under contract at Williams through the 2025 season, if they choose to replace Perez.
“Checo [Sergio Perez] has to deliver consistent performance,” Marko said, confirming that the team were considering replacing the Mexican. “It’s clear that he can’t always drive at (Max) Verstappen’s level, but if he comes second in the championship with one or two wins, he will certainly be a candidate for 2025.
“The seat - next to Verstappen - is, on the one hand, very coveted, but on the other, it is an ejectable seat, since no teammate can live up to Max, and it can quickly become demoralising.”
The first race of the new F1 season takes place in Bahrain on Saturday 2 March.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments