Since May 2016, Max Verstappen has been a driver for Red Bull Racing.
Former McLaren and Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Carlos Sainz would be the ‘A-plus’ driver Red Bull should look to if Max Verstappen decides to leave the team.
Sainz’s contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the year, and he is currently engaged in talks with several teams to determine his next move in Formula 1. However, he has not yet finalized his future destination as he carefully evaluates his available options.
Juan Pablo Montoya: Red Bull should look to Carlos Sainz if Max Verstappen leaves
Verstappen and Sainz began their Formula One journey as teammates at Toro Rosso in 2015. However, they have since taken divergent paths, pursuing their individual careers.
But with Sainz having been linked with a possible move to Red Bull, the Ferrari driver currently in peak form and up until Lando Norris’ win in Miami at the weekend was the only non-Red Bull driver since mid-2022 to score a Grand Prix victory, his name has cropped up in reports as a potential candidate to return to the Red Bull stable.
However, in the near future, he will be temporarily replaced at Ferrari when Lewis Hamilton joins the team in 2025. Montoya is eagerly anticipating the upcoming battle between the seven-time World Champion and Charles Leclerc in the following season.
According to Montoya’s statement to RacingNews365, he expressed curiosity about how smoothly things will go with Charles and Lewis in the cars.
“There will inevitably be a clash of personalities, which promises to be quite entertaining to witness.”
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However, there have been discussions about Verstappen’s future due to the ongoing turbulent events at Red Bull. Despite this, Verstappen’s contract extends until 2028, and he has expressed his unwavering dedication to the team.
Should the reigning World Champion decide to switch teams, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been keeping a close eye on the situation. However, in the unlikely event that this happens, Montoya already has a clear replacement in mind.
Montoya stated that, in his opinion, Carlos would be the most suitable option currently, particularly if there are discussions about Max potentially departing.
If there is a possibility of Max leaving, it is crucial for them to have an exceptional driver as a backup plan. Losing both Checo and Max would leave them without any options.
“At the moment, Sainz is effectively fulfilling his role and meeting the necessary requirements. It’s plausible that there may exist superior drivers, yet given the appropriate circumstances, Carlos has the potential to excel.”
Despite undergoing an appendectomy and missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sainz holds the fifth position in the Drivers’ Championship with a total of 83 points.
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