Report: Carlos Sainz in the running for Red Bull F1 seat in 2025

With Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari leaving Sainz without a drive for the upcoming season, the Spanish driver's future in F1 has been a topic of keen interest. 

Sainz's strong performances, including a remarkable victory in Australia, have bolstered speculation about his prospects at Red Bull.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that Sainz is "definitely under consideration" for a seat alongside Max Verstappen next year. 

Sergio Perez, currently driving for Red Bull, is set to be out of contract at the end of this season, further fuelling the rumours surrounding Sainz's potential move.

Reports from F1.com's Lawrence Barretto suggest that discussions between Sainz's camp and Red Bull have already taken place, indicating a serious consideration of the Spanish driver for a pivotal role within the team.

"Multiple sources say Red Bull have spoken to Team Sainz about a return to the Red Bull family he left during the 2017 season to join Renault," Barretto wrote.

"The Spaniard is in the form of his life. He has finished on the podium in every race he has started this year, including a brilliant win in Australia.

"And he's the only driver to stop a Red Bull winning since George Russell won in Brazil in 2022 for Mercedes.

"He's definitely under consideration, but Red Bull haven't decided if pairing him up with Verstappen again (they were team mates in their respective debut seasons in 2015) is a good idea."