In 2024, Carlos Sainz found himself looking for an F1 seat for 2025 after Ferrari decided to let him go at the end of the season to sign Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes. The presence of Smooth Operator in the driver’s market made headlines and created a buzz in the paddock.
As we know, Sainz tried to get back with Red Bull, but they ignored him for Liam Lawson, who was later replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Sainz was also the only driver to win a race in 2022 other than Max Verstappen, which led to several controversies about whether this was the reason Red Bull didn’t sign him, as it could have led to a potential rivalry.
Carlos Sainz was later signed by Williams, and months later, he opened up about the rejection. So, let’s take a look at what he thinks about the move.
Carlos Sainz On Red Bull Rejection
Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen could have been the power duo that Red Bull needed as they continue to suffer a nightmare this season. So, why wasn’t he picked? In Sainz’s words, he simply didn’t fit in. He said, “Red Bull had me available for six months, and they didn’t pick me, and I think it’s because I simply don’t fit into the type of driver that they need right now in Red Bull, and I’m completely fine with that. If anything, they’re making me a favour.”
Why Not Carlos Sainz?
So, what went down in those Red Bull boardrooms? According to team boss Christian Horner, timing was everything. When Red Bull extended Sergio Perez’s contract, he was second in the championship and bagging podiums. That made the choice easy at the time, even if Perez’s later form slumped.
Red Bull also seems to favor drivers who fit very specific criteria, sometimes preferring to promote from within their own academy. That’s why, when Perez’s future was thrown into doubt, the team opted for Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s new teammate rather than reuniting with Sainz. Carlos Sainz, while a proven race winner, never quite matched Red Bull’s search for a certain “fit” alongside Verstappen.
Carlos Sainz’s Honest Reaction
Sainz didn’t hide his confusion or his professionalism. He openly questioned Red Bull’s decision:
“I don’t see myself as like a lost opportunity to not wait to December. That’s not how the Formula 1 market works. If I would have done that, I might have even been without a Formula 1 contract for 2025 if I keep Alpine, Williams or Audi waiting until this late.”
Instead of holding out for a call that never came, Sainz signed a multi-year deal with Williams, joining a team that, in his words, “really wanted me.” And that sense of being valued? Just as important as what color your overalls are.
Carlos might not fully understand Red Bull’s reasoning (and honestly, can you blame him?), but his next challenge with Williams promises another fresh start. In the unpredictable world of F1, sometimes the best stories are the ones nobody sees coming.
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