Carlos Sainz is asked whether he could imagine succeeding Max Verstappen at Red Bull – here’s what the Spaniard himself has to say
Just a year ago, Red Bull turned down Carlos Sainz when it came to a possible successor for Sergio Perez. After announcing his departure from Ferrari, the Spaniard was looking for a new team and also approached Red Bull, but: “Red Bull didn’t want me,” he recently revealed in a podcast.
However, a new opportunity could arise in 2026, because if Max Verstappen leaves the team for Mercedes, the racing team will need a high-caliber replacement. But Sainz will most likely not be the one. When confronted with this question, Sainz says: “First of all, what you’re referring to looks like rumors to me at the moment.”
“I don’t know how much of it is really true,” he says, not wanting to engage in speculation. But if there really is something to it, there is another obstacle. “Williams knows that I am committed for the next two years – and beyond, if the situation allows,” Sainz emphasizes.
This means that Sainz has no intention of breaking his contract – at least that’s what he’s saying publicly. “I believe in the path we have chosen and I am very confident in my decision,” he clarifies.
Sainz is still having some teething problems after his move from Ferrari to Williams, but he is nevertheless satisfied with the team’s season so far. Williams is currently fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, making it the best of the rest behind the top teams – Sainz couldn’t have asked for more.
“For me, performance has always been the most important thing – and that’s what we’ve got,” he emphasizes. “I see good things ahead for us, and in terms of the performance of this year’s car, Williams has even exceeded my expectations for 2025.”
The Spaniard is convinced that if Williams gets everything right, he and Albon should finish eighth and ninth – or seventh and eighth – in the drivers’ standings. “But we’re not yet at the point where we can achieve everything in a single weekend. That’s why neither I nor the team are getting what the car actually deserves.”
“But I’m not worried because everyone in the team knows that and we’re all working to bring it together,” said Sainz. “Even though everything seems very frustrating and difficult to cope with at the moment – it’s been twelve races with a lot of ups and downs – I’m confident about our course and the direction we’re heading in.”
