Christian Horner Dismisses Helmut Marko’s Carlos Sainz Claims as “Pure Speculation”

Carlos Sainz’s F1 future after Ferrari is still not decided. Despite being the only non-Red Bull driver to have taken a race victory in the last couple of seasons, Sainz finds himself on the brink of not having an F1 seat. Now whether Sainz will sign alongside Verstappen or replace the Dutchman is yet to be seen. And Horner has now come out to settle some speculation.

The second Red Bull seat has been under scrutiny for the last year or so, after Perez’s poor form from 2023. But that doesn’t seem to be affecting Christian Horner in any way, who now calls these speculations a joke. Helmut Marko, in a recent interview, suggested how Sainz is in the form of his life and that even Red Bull considered him for a seat on the team. But Horner doesn’t seem amused by the statement.

Christian Horner was asked about the rumors of Carlos Sainz moving to Red Bull. The Team Principal called it “Pure Speculation”. Talking about Checo, Horner added, “We aren’t in a hurry. Checo has started the season excellently, and it is important for him to maintain that form.”

Even many F1 pundits have suggested that if Red Bull continues to put in these 1-2 performances, then they don’t need to change their driver’s lineup. Sergio Perez has improved a lot compared to how the second half of 2023 went for him. The Mexican is back and talks about how the RB20 is so much easier to drive. 

Hence, looking at performances and considering the upcoming regulation changes, Martin Brundle suggests that Red Bull stick with Checo as he knows the team inside out.

“If it ain’t broke, Don’t fix it”: Martin Brundle’s advice to Red Bull

Having two championship-contending drivers in the same car usually has repercussions for the team, as we’ve seen with Alonso-Hamilton and Senna-Prost. Martin Brundle has now come out to suggest that Perez is the perfect driver for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen as long as they continue to keep scoring these 1-2s and further underlined the reason why Checo will be crucial for the 2026 regulations. 

Martin Brundle said, “He’s the perfect driver in that seat at the moment. The reason why Sergio has been in the car so long is because he suits Red Bull and what they need at the moment, and I think that’s not particularly changed unless they think someone else has come in and they must take the opportunity. Right now, moving into this great unknown of 2026 car, certainty and experience and feedback will be pivotal and a team like Red Bull might just think, this is working, especially if they win both championships and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Will Carlos Sainz sign with Red Bull knowing Max Verstappen will be given the preferential treatment? Or will the Spaniard decide to replace the driver who stole his seat in the first place?