Carlos Sainz makes his feelings known about Red Bull's rejection of him as a possible replacement for Sergio Perez
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull did him a favor by not picking him for the 2025 season as a replacement for Sergio Perez. The Spanish driver found himself out of contract at the beginning of the current season after the Italian team signed Lewis Hamilton in his place.
The four-time race winner was the hottest target in the driver's market this year with many teams after him for his signature, apart from Mercedes and Red Bull. Although he waited for the Austrian team, it ultimately decided to extend Perez's contract ahead of the Monaco GP.
While appearing on the Beyond the Grid podcast ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz discussed his rejection by the reigning world champion.
"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," Carlos Sainz said.
"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 ’25 if I keep Alpine, Williams or Audi waiting until this late."
Carlos Sainz said one reason for picking Williams F1 was James Vowles's eagerness to have him in the Grove-based outfit for the 2025 season.
Carlos Sainz discusses being chased by Williams F1 for 2025
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz said on the Beyond the Grid podcast:
“I also have obviously an ego, and I’m going to go with the people that really want me and James [Vowles, Williams team principal], I cannot explain to you how much I felt wanted and how much I felt pushed to join them, and they did an incredible job also in convincing me, because it is a project that, as I said before, I just look forward to it.”
Williams F1 confirmed last month that Sainz would participate in the Abu Dhabi post-season test. In its statement, the British team believed that the test would be "marking the first steps in his preparations for the 2025 season" and provide "an early opportunity that allows both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship together ahead of next term."
The 30-year-old would join the team on a multi-year deal and partner alongside Alex Albon while guiding the team into the new engine regulations in the 2026 season and progressing further in the sport.