Red Bull eye Carlos Sainz for 2025 Formula 1 drive

Sainz, currently seeking opportunities after being dropped by Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season and replaced my Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, has emerged as a contender for Red Bull's roster next year. 

Marko acknowledged Sergio Perez's commendable performance this season to Kleine Zeitung, stating, "It is clear that Checo is currently driving his best season for us." With Perez's contract expiring at the end of 2024, Red Bull face decisions regarding their driver line-up for the upcoming seasons.

Marko emphasized Perez's improved performance and alignment with teammate Max Verstappen's setup, indicating that he could be the optimal choice for Red Bull in 2025. 

However, Marko also acknowledged discussions with Sainz, noting, "We are talking to Carlos." Despite Red Bull's interest, Marko admitted the challenge of matching a lucrative offer from Audi, complicating Sainz's potential return to the Red Bull fold.

Regarding the possibility of promoting Yuki Tsunoda from Red Bull's sister team, Marko remained cautious, highlighting Tsunoda's promising start to the season but noting the limited sample size. Marko also addressed Tsunoda's performance relative to Daniel Ricciardo, indicating Tsunoda's control over the experienced driver.

As the Formula 1 season progresses, attention shifts to the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled as the fifth race of the 2024 season. 

The Shanghai International Circuit will host the event from April 19 to April 21, marking the first of six Sprint weekends of the year. With drivers having just 60 minutes to acquaint themselves with the track before the Sprint qualifying session on Friday afternoon, anticipation builds for another thrilling race, set to unfold over 56 laps of the 5.451-kilometre circuit.

Red Bull Racing's pursuit of the ideal driver line-up for 2025 underscores the dynamic nature of Formula 1, where talent, strategy, and opportunity intersect to shape the future of the sport.