Carlos Sainz has opened up about the breakdown of negotiations with Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite being available for half a year after Ferrari announced Lewis Hamilton would replace him, Sainz says Red Bull passed on the opportunity to sign him, leading him to commit to Williams instead.
In an interview, Sainz revealed that Red Bull had ample time to consider him but ultimately chose not to pursue the deal. “They had me available for six months, and they didn’t pick me,” he said, adding that he didn’t believe he fit the profile Red Bull was seeking at the time. This decision left Sainz feeling sidelined, prompting him to secure his future with a team that demonstrated strong interest in him.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner later explained that the team extended Sergio Pérez’s contract mid-season because, at that point, Pérez was second in the championship and had secured four podiums in the first five races. Horner acknowledged that while Sainz is a talented driver, the team prioritized continuity and stability during a period of strong performance.
However, Pérez’s form declined in the latter half of the season, contributing to Red Bull’s drop from first to third in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite this, the team opted to promote Liam Lawson from their junior program rather than revisit talks with Sainz. This decision underscored Red Bull’s commitment to developing talent within their existing pipeline.
Another factor influencing Red Bull’s decision was the historical tension between Sainz and Max Verstappen during their time as teammates at Toro Rosso. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko described their relationship as “quite toxic” at times, suggesting that reuniting the pair could disrupt team harmony.
Sainz, however, dismissed concerns about his past relationship with Verstappen, stating that both drivers have matured significantly since their early careers. He emphasized that any previous conflicts were a result of the competitive environment at Toro Rosso and would not impact a potential partnership at Red Bull.
Financial considerations also played a role in the failed negotiations. Audi reportedly offered Sainz a lucrative deal that Red Bull could not match. Helmut Marko acknowledged that while Red Bull was interested in Sainz, they were unable to compete with Audi’s offer, which included a long-term vision and significant investment.
Ultimately, Sainz chose to join Williams, citing the trust and belief shown by the team as key factors in his decision. He expressed confidence in Williams’ vision and commitment to progress, aligning with his desire to be in control of his own destiny.