Weeks After Carlos Sainz’s Manager Sets Deadline, Spaniard’s Appearance With Helmut Marko Puts Sergio Perez’s Seat in Danger

“You can sleep well between China and Miami, don’t worry. There will be no big news. At least, coming from us. For sure, not. We’re still playing the game so we’ll see.” These words by Carlos Sainz’s manager, Carlos Oñoro were told to Tom Clarkson on the F1 Nation podcast. Ever since then, fans have been wondering when they will get to hear good news about where Sainz will be racing next year.

Now that we are done with Miami and even Imola, the day of Sainz’s decision is getting closer. He needs to make a choice fast and despite his father’s links to Audi, he has not made his decision yet. He wants to get into the best seat possible and currently, there are only 2 teams with openings that have pace. One option is better than the other with Red Bull having the best car. On the other hand, Mercedes is also trying to make things happen, so where will the Spaniard end up?

Carlos Sainz is spotted with Helmut Marko sparking rumors of his return to Red Bull

The Smooth operator is one of the strongest drivers on the grid and it’s only fair that he gets a deserving seat. Sainz started his career in Red Bull’s sister team, and he was spotted talking to Helmut Marko during the Imola Grand Prix. Everyone knows that Marko has an important say in who to bring into the team and looking at the 2-time race winner talking to him brings up questions of him taking the second seat.

Sergio Perez had a very difficult weekend finishing at P8 at Imola in the same car that his teammate won the race in. Rumors have circulated about replacing Perez since the first few races of the season, and Perez needs to prove himself But after being overtaken by a Ferrari driver in the championship, things look difficult for Checo. Carlos Sainz is a quick driver and if he wants to fight for the world championship, he needs a fast car and Red Bull can provide that.

So does this mean he will move to Red Bull? Now that is something only time can tell. Sainz has quite a bit of time to choose before the end of this season, considering there are still 17 races left. However, he also needs to consider that the seats are filling up soon.  With Red Bull being the best seat available, there is no reason for him not to join them for 2025 and fight for a championship.

What does this mean for Audi’s offer to Carlos Sainz?

So far, Audi has already approached the Spaniard and told him that they would love for him to be on the team. However, Sainz knows that he is one of the top racers of the season and that most teams would love to have him with them. Red Bull and Mercedes are both impressed by his driving, and they have no reason not to hire him. Taking advantage of the situation he is in, Sainz had decided to understand the playing field before committing.

He is 29 years now and joining a new team on the grid will mean the team will take time to get up to speed. Joining Audi might just present a difficult turn in his career, as he is now used to being on a team that fights for the top 3 positions. If Sainz decides to join any other team, Audi already has secured Nico Hulkenberg and it will only be one more driver that they will need to figure out. There are already rumors around the paddocks that in case Carlos Sainz rejects the offer, Esteban Ocon will become the next driver that the German outfit will approach.

Which team do you think Carlos Sainz will move to next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.