Speculation is rife among Formula 1 enthusiasts regarding Carlos Sainz’s potential move to Red Bull for the 2025 season, fueled by his father’s confirmation of their reunion with Ford.
Despite his impressive performance in 2024, where he stood as one of the two drivers to overcome the three-time World Champion Max Verstappen, Sainz faces the unsettling prospect of being without a team for the upcoming season. Lewis Hamilton’s impending shift to Ferrari is set to replace him there.
Amidst the uncertainty, Sainz’s name has been swirling in the rumor mill, with various teams being linked to him for the 2025 campaign. However, the most consistent speculation centers around Red Bull or Sauber, the latter slated to become the Audi works team in 2026.
Sainz’s father boasts a close association with the Audi brand, marked by their victory in the 2023 Dakar Rally.
Nevertheless, his recent signing with Ford for their 2025 program has captured attention, especially since Ford has partnered with Red Bull for the forthcoming era of Formula 1 power units, commencing in 2026.
Fans have eagerly seized upon this announcement, interpreting it as a strong indicator of Sainz Jr.’s potential return to Red Bull next year. His initiation into the F1 realm began as a member of the Red Bull driver program, further fueling speculations.
Responding to the news on social media, one enthusiastic fan boldly declared, “Sainz Jr. to Red Bull confirmed.”
This sentiment was echoed by others, with one fan succinctly stating, “Then we know Sainz signed with Red Bull,” while another highlighted the familial connection between Red Bull and the Sainz’s, remarking, “Yet another link between Red Bull and the Sainz’s. Ford + Carlos Sr. in Dakar. Ford + Carlos Jr. in F1.”
The potential scenario of Sainz joining Red Bull for the upcoming season raises questions about which driver he might replace, as Mercedes chief Toto Wolff persists in his pursuit of Verstappen, despite the Dutch racer indicating his current contentment with his team.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez finds himself in a battle to secure a fresh contract with Red Bull, as his existing deal draws to a close at the culmination of the 2024 F1 season. However, one fan’s perspective leans towards Perez extending his tenure with Red Bull rather than Sainz stepping in.
“This pretty much confirms Verstappen – Sainz 2025 hopefully, but probs will be Perez extension,” remarked a fan, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the team’s lineup.
Sainz Sr., a celebrated four-time victor of the Dakar Rally, holds a storied history with Ford, boasting three previous stints with the brand in the World Rally Championship and clinching a remarkable tally of five triumphs.
Notably, Sainz Jr.’s forthcoming participation in the Dakar Rally with Ford marks a new chapter in their collaboration.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the endeavor, he stated, “I’m very excited by this new Dakar Rally project, to go back to working with Ford for the fourth time, and to return to M-Sport, to return to Malcolm [Wilson, founder of M-Sport] who I know very well, it’s really great to be back.
“My history with Ford goes all the way back to ’87, and I think I was Malcolm’s first driver, his first ever factory driver, back in the day, and I’m very proud of that.
“I’m really excited to be driving the Raptor truck, and to approach this big challenge with a lot of goals. One is to help Ford win the Dakar Rally.”
Sainz Jr. is gearing up to make his return to the track at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur hinting at a strong bid for victory on their home turf.
