Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Williams F1, disclosed that his contract discussions with Red Bull in 2023 did not progress due to the Austrian team’s unwillingness to sign him for multiple reasons. The Spanish driver was among the most sought-after racers in 2024 after Ferrari decided to replace him with Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
Even though Red Bull and Mercedes had vacancies, both teams opted against recruiting Sainz. Initially, Red Bull intended to keep Sergio Perez but ultimately parted ways with the Mexican driver, choosing Liam Lawson as their new team member instead.
During an interview on the El Cafelito Podcast by Charenguito Inside, Sainz addressed his failed move to Red Bull:
“I spoke with Red Bull, but they didn’t want me. For various reasons, we couldn’t reach an agreement. People who know about F1 probably know why Red Bull didn’t want me. I have nothing against them or their decision-making.”
When questioned about Max Verstappen’s potential involvement in these negotiations, Sainz responded:
“I don’t know, you’d have to ask him. I don’t talk about contracts with other drivers.”
After this, Sainz accepted a multi-year contract with Williams, joining their team based in Grove to race alongside Alex Albon, despite having options with Alpine and Audi.
Carlos Sainz Sr.’s Perspective on His Son’s Missed Opportunity at Red Bull
Carlos Sainz Sr., a former World Rally Champion and Spanish motorsport icon, shared his thoughts about his son’s broken deal with Red Bull. Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, he expressed his wish to see Carlos race next to Max Verstappen for the first time since their Toro Rosso days in 2015.
“I would have liked to see him next to Max in the Red Bull. I’m sure he would have loved that challenge. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. You could ask Carlos yourself. He might say no to you, but I think he would also like to be driving for Red Bull.”
Sainz Sr. also revealed that his son felt disappointment after being dropped by Ferrari, one of Formula 1’s premier teams:
“Of course, Ferrari is one of the best teams in Formula 1. We were sad, naturally. It was quite unexpected. But that’s life. Sometimes you are lucky and get a contract, and sometimes you have to leave. He is happy at Williams now. There is a team behind him that trusts and respects him.”
Early Results and Implications of Sainz’s Move to Williams
Since joining Williams, the four-time F1 race winner has had a challenging start. Over eight races and two Sprint events, Sainz has accumulated 12 points, while his teammate Alex Albon has scored 42. This performance gap highlights the uphill battle Sainz faces in adapting to the British team and rebuilding his career momentum.
His failed negotiations with Red Bull underscore the complexities behind driver lineup decisions at top Formula 1 teams, influenced by factors beyond just talent and experience. Moving forward, Sainz’s tenure at Williams offers him a platform to prove his capabilities and possibly attract future interest from leading teams.
