Sainz is the ideal replacement for Perez or even Verstappen in 2025

Ferrari has created a remarkable situation with the recruitment of Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz, who has been performing equally if not better than Charles Leclerc for years, is walking out of his contract at the end of the year. Sainz is in the prime of his life. His successor, Hamilton, seems to have somewhat lost the appetite to really give his all.

In that respect, Sainz provides the best calling card himself, and Red Bull Racing is the team that can use him best. Sergio Perez is 34 years old and has filled the role of second driver quite well in recent years. Yet there are still too many times when the Mexican doesn't pull through when there is a chance to win. It happened to him in Singapore and now again in Australia.

Why Red Bull should get Sainz

Perez was hired to qualify close behind Verstappen and finish highly in the race. With the RB20, he will be able to finish second and can win races if Verstappen is unlucky. In early 2023, Perez still managed to do so in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, but since then, he has missed opportunities in Miami, Singapore, and now Australia.

The problem for Red Bull Racing is that the competition is logically getting closer. The rules remain the same, so the development curve becomes less steep. In addition, competitors may invest more time in the wind tunnel and CFD to close the gap. Ferrari seems well on their way. If the competition gets closer, Red Bull will need a second driver who is closer to Verstappen than Perez is now.

Carlos Sainz took advantage the last two times Verstappen missed the mark. Sainz is a consistent driver, a charismatic guy, and a good team player. In recent years, Sainz has often sacrificed himself for Leclerc when the situation called for it.

Red Bull would secure an upgrade and a younger version of Perez with Sainz. Max Verstappen will also remain Sainz's front-runner within the team, but with Sainz at his side, Red Bull Racing has a better duo than what is currently in place. Besides, in the situation of Red Bull as is, it is not wrong to bring in a driver who could also develop as a front-runner.

Sainz could also become Verstappen's replacement

Verstappen-Sainz is the ideal combination, but the internal conflict at Red Bull Racing still hangs over the team. There is now talk of a ceasefire, but peace has not been signed. As long as Christian Horner remains in his position, Verstappen's chances of packing up at the end of the season remain.

Bringing in Sainz would be ideal in view of that situation. Sainz can act as a very good second man and would also not look out of place as Red Bull Racing's front man and figurehead. Horner could then opt for Thailand's Alexander Albon alongside Sainz, fulfilling the shareholder's wishes, or still offer Perez a contract extension.

For Red Bull Racing, bringing in Sainz should be a no-brainer. Sainz is familiar with the Red Bull family, is arguably the fastest driver with an expiring contract and has a good relationship with Verstappen. The big question remains, though: will Sainz himself want to step in alongside Verstappen?