Ex-Ferrari Boss Challenges Helmut Marko’s Verdict on Carlos Sainz, Predicting Red Bull Dream Team with Max Verstappen

Red Bull has been in a dilemma for years now. The dilemma of who can be a viable long-term partner for Max Verstappen and occupy the troubled second seat as many have crumbled to pressure against Verstappen. Now, with the most exciting silly season coming our way, an ex-Ferrari boss, Peter Windsor, has given his verdict on who he would like to see alongside the three-time world champion.

Windsor addressed the question of Red Bull’s second seat while answering a fan’s question on his latest YouTube video. Many, including the Red Bull hierarchy, see Lando Norris as the strongest candidate for the seat. However, Windsor challenged this opinion with his take siding with Carlos Sainz. In doing so, he challenged RB’s advisor Helmut Marko‘s opinion on the Spaniard.

Peter Windsor challenges Helmut Marko’s take on Carlos Sainz

Dr. Marko is infamous for his unfiltered opinion about drivers on the grid. He was still kind towards Sainz and confessed the Spaniard could keep up with the Dutchman during their time at what was then Toro Rosso. “Sainz is, without a doubt, a great driver. He was almost on par with Max in Toro Rosso. The bad thing for him is that he was unlucky to have Verstappen as a teammate,” said Marko as quoted by Marca. Revealing Verstappen’s relationship with Sainz during their time at Toro Rosso Marko said, “The atmosphere between the two at Toro Rosso was quite toxic. With the configuration we had then, I didn’t see a way to keep him with us, so Carlos went through Renault, McLaren and then he ended up at Ferrari.”  

From Marko’s comments, it is evident why he doesn’t deem Sainz as a suitable teammate for Verstappen. However, Windsor shared his opinion on his podcast, which was in contradiction to that of Marko. He said, “For me, Lando would be better off if he could, trying to get a Ferrari drive alongside Charles Leclerc. I think that would be a good place for Lando, assuming that would mean replacing him with Carlos Sainz. I think Carlos Sainz will do a very good job alongside Max actually. I think a better combination would be Max/Sainz and Leclerc/Norris. That’s what I’d like to see anyway.”

Windsor has challenged Marko’s comments about Sainz being unlucky and unable to keep up with Verstappen. The Spaniard did showcase his superior race craft and snatched the only win away from Red Bull in Singapore. However, for some, neither Lando Norris nor Carlos Sainz is the perfect fit to be Verstappen’s teammate.

WATCH THIS STORY: Will Daniel Ricciardo Get Swapped in for Sergio Perez at Red Bull? 

Former boss gives a surprise name to be the next teammate of Max Verstappen

Eddie Jordan ran a successful team until he decided to part ways with it. So, stepping into his managerial shoes again, speaking about the Max Verstappen teammate dilemma, he gave his own verdict. The former team owner believes there is only one driver fit for the second driver role at Red Bull and that’s Oscar Piastri.

He substantiated his claim with a story from the past before giving his verdict on why the rookie should be the teammate of the most dominating driver in the sport’s history.

Jordan revealed, “Way back in the late 80s with Johnny Herbert and he was managed by Mark Webber’s wife. I’ve had that relationship and understood and I thought she was probably the best and most professional manager of any sports person that I’ve come across. So she tipped me off and said ‘Listen I have to tell you this guy is the real deal.’ I think he is the real deal.”

“Full marks to McLaren, they signed him till 2026 because they needed to, because he will be a sought-after driver. If I was in Red Bull and I was thinking of replacing Checo, he’d be the one I’d have in my mind,” he confessed.

Read More: F1 News: Carlos Sainz’s Interest in Audi’s F1 Future Revealed by Father Amid Delayed Ferrari Contract

No one knows who will be occupying the Red Bull seat for the 2025 season. However, we are getting suggestions from all entities of the sport. One thing is for sure though, we are in for one of the most exciting silly seasons the sport has ever seen toward the end of 2024.