Will Carlos Sainz head to Red Bull in 2025? F1 fans believe so after his father confirmed he will reunite with Ford.
Despite being one of only two drivers to beat three-time world champion Max Verstappen in F1 so far in 2024, Sainz has no place on the grid for next season. Lewis Hamilton is set to replace him at Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz Sr. reunites with Red Bull engine partner Ford
And with Sainz impressing so far this campaign, his name has been linked to various teams for 2025, with the most consistent speculation being that he could join Audi’s works team in 2026. This will lead him to either Red Bull or Sauber.
While his father is very familiar with the Audi brand, having won his last Dakar Rally appearance in 2023, Sainz Snr is currently working with the American car giant, which has partnered with Red Bull for a new era. It has signed a contract with Ford for the 2025 program. Part of the F1 power unit that will appear in 2026.
And fans jumped on the announcement as a sign that Sainz Jnr, who started his F1 career as a member of the Red Bull driver program, would be returning to Red Bull next year.
In a social media response to the news, one fan wrote: “Confirmed Sainz Jr. is moving to Red Bull.”
“I understand that Sainz has signed with Red Bull,” a further reply read, while another fan echoed this, writing, “A new connection between Red Bull and Sainz. Ford in the Dakar + Carlos Sr. F1 Ford + Carlos Jr.”
It is still unclear which driver Sainz will be replaced with if he signs with Red Bull next season, with Mercedes manager Toto Wolff saying he sees no reason for the Dutchman to leave at this time. continues to pursue a contract with Verstappen.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez is struggling to secure a new Red Bull contract with his current contract ending at the end of F1 in 2024, but one fan believes Perez may put pen to paper on new terms with Red Bull. is considered to be high.
“This almost guarantees Verstappen and Sainz in 2025, but it will probably be an extension for Perez.”
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Four-time Dakar Rally winner Sainz Snr is no stranger to Ford, having previously starred with the brand in three World Rally Championships, taking a total of five victories.
This will be Sainz’s first attempt at the Dakar Rally with Ford, and following the news, Sainz said: – Back to Sports, Malcolm [Wilson, founder of M-Sport] It’s someone I know well, so it’s really nice to be back.
“My history with Ford goes back to 1987. I think I was Malcolm’s first driver and his first factory driver back then, and I’m very proud of that.”
“I’m really excited to drive the Raptor truck and take on this big challenge with many goals. One is to help Ford win the Dakar Rally.”
Sainz Jr. will soon make his return to action at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur hinting at his commitment to winning on home soil.
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