Carlos Sainz and Christian Horner.
The Red Bull point of contact for Carlos Sainz changed from Helmut Marko to Christian Horner, according to Sky F1’s Craig Slater, who pondered whether this means that Horner emerged the winner from Red Bull’s off track unrest.
Perez has officially signed a new two-year contract with Red Bull, finalizing another significant move in the F1 driver market. This agreement ensures that he will continue racing for the team until 2026, navigating the upcoming regulatory changes together.
Did Carlos Sainz Red Bull talks highlight internal change?
Perez encountered a tough challenge from Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver who was leaving the team. Sainz’s remarkable performances at the beginning of the F1 2024 season, including his victory in Australia after recovering from appendicitis, made him a strong candidate for a return to Red Bull.
Nevertheless, Slater disclosed that the individual responsible for liaising with Sainz at Red Bull shifted from Marko, the team’s esteemed advisor and head of the driver program, to team principal Horner. Slater connected this change to the highly publicized saga that engulfed Red Bull at the beginning of the 2024 Formula 1 season, prompting speculation about whether Horner had come out on top in the Sainz situation.
Slater expressed, “The seat in Formula 1 was highly coveted, and when I shared the news with my colleagues, there was a hint of disappointment that Carlos Sainz won’t be partnering with Max Verstappen.”
“He had been eagerly awaiting this seat. According to his representatives, there had been fluctuating interest from Red Bull over the past few months. They initially seemed interested, then became somewhat distant again.”
It is worth noting that the person Sainz’s negotiators had been in touch with at Red Bull changed from Dr. Helmut Marko to Christian Horner himself.
Could it be interpreted that Christian Horner has emerged as the victor if there was indeed an internal power struggle at Red Bull?
“It is evident that Christian Horner’s decision to stand by Checo Perez during his challenges earlier this year was greatly influenced by Perez’s unwavering loyalty, among other factors.”
Who knows, perhaps if Dr. Marko had the deciding vote, someone else could have been sitting opposite Verstappen. However, continuity remains.
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Christian Horner explains Sergio Perez contract decision as door closes on Carlos Sainz
With a fresh prime target seat having been taken off the table for Sainz, who PlanetF1.com understands is also out of contention for the Mercedes F1 2025 seat for now, the Spaniard said that he has not set any deadlines on confirming his post-Ferrari destination and wants to make a considered choice.
During an interview with various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, Sainz expressed his belief that the driver market in Formula 1 operates as a interconnected circle, where everyone’s fate is intertwined.
I am still undecided and uncertain about my racing plans for next year. Additionally, I have not established any specific deadlines for making a decision.
At this point in my career, I recognize the significance of making a crucial decision. With various options available, I am determined to select the best one by carefully considering it. As I approach the age of 30 this year, I am eager to embark on the next project and ensure its success.
“I will allocate myself the necessary amount of time.”
Sainz has also been associated with teams like Williams and Sauber, which are set to transform into Audi by 2026.
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