Last month Red Bull’s Helmut Marko confirmed that they are in talks with Carlos Sainz over a move. There had been reports that Red Bull were looking for a new driver to race alongside Max Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda was one name rumored, but Sainz was linked strongly. However, the scenario seems to have changed. Despite his struggles in the last two races and pressure building on Red Bull, the management is expected to keep faith with Sergio Perez according to new reports.

Although it was the race restart after the Perez accident in Monaco that came in clutch after Sainz had a puncture, the Mexican is the reason why he will not get a Red Bull seat.

Red Bull expect a decision on Sergio Perez by the time of the Spanish Grand Prix

Contrary to common belief, Sergio Perez is expected to sign a new contract, extending his stay with the team. Helmut Marko and Christian Horner have indicated positive progress in negotiations, with an official announcement expected soon.

Perez finished second at three races this year and qualified less than 0.1s behind Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix. However, his form has dipped in the last three races. He was fifth in Miami, before being bumped to fourth due to a penalty for Sainz. At Imola he finished eighth having been eliminated in Q2 and failed to make it out of Q1 in Monaco where he suffered a heavy opening lap crash. Despite this, Christain Horner seems to have his back.

Speaking to Motorsports.com Christain Horner said, “This weekend’s been pretty brutal for him.[But] Checo’s first six races, he was very strong, qualifying on the front row and finishing second and third and scoring very well. We just need to get back into that position of confidence and not to see a dip.”

Earlier after Perez finished second in the Japanese GP, Horner said that, “he knows he’s out of contract for next year, it’s his seat to lose, he’s very popular in the team, and he’s started the season in the best possible way.”

Meanwhile, Helmut Marko addressed Perez’s chances to retain a RedBull seat for next season saying, “He is in a good position. I wouldn’t say pole-position, but he is in a good position.”

After the Monaco GP, Marko reiterated Perez’s standing when it came to the next season, “The talks are still ongoing, and Checo (Perez) is still our first option.”

Perez’s strong start to the season and his overall performance have been praised by the team, despite recent setbacks in Imola and the Monaco GP. Red Bull prioritizes Perez due to his past consistent track record and ability to work well within the team dynamics. Reports indicate that given how well he has settled with Verstappen in the season has meant Red Bull might not need to replace him at all for the next season.

Last month, ahead of the Chinese GP, Marko said that they were in pursuit of Sainz, adding, “We’re talking to him, he’s having his strongest season in Formula One.” But things have definitely changed in the last month or so.

With it getting clear that Perez still has the support despite the recent hiccups, Marko said that they will have a clear picture of the team for the next season by the Spanish Grand Prix in June. Carlos Sainz, who had been in consideration as a replacement, is no longer in contention for the Red Bull seat, making Perez the likely choice.

What options does that leave Carlos Sainz?

With Red Bull out of the picture and Mercedes undecided, Sainz is evaluating offers from Audi and Williams. Williams offers a short-term contract which could be beneficial if opportunities arise elsewhere by the end of 2025.

On the other hand, Audi provides a long-term contract, but their current performance, as Stake F1, is less competitive. Sainz will evaluate his potential teammates, preferring the challenge of working with Alexander Albon at Williams over the tougher competition from Nico Hülkenberg at Audi.

Currently, Williams is doing better than Sauber despite having a heavy car which has been the reason for their struggles. However, even though the car is overweight, it is managing to outperform Stake F1’s car while scoring a point for Alex Albon while at it.

That being said, if Sergio Perez continues with Red Bull, Sainz will have to take a step back to understand what is the best move for him before making a decision. With that said, do you think he will take the one- year Williams deal? Also, what do you make of the possibility that Perez will be at Red Bull next season.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.