Since his Australian GP win, Carlos Sainz has added to his stake around the paddock. The Spaniard from playing second fiddle is looked upon in a different light by many teams. He’s showcased he has the talent and brains to become a regular race winner. And now, former team owner Eddie Jordan believes the “jobless” Ferrari man can be the perfect replacement for Max Verstappen should he decide to leave Red Bull.
Jordan shared this opinion during the latest Formula For Success podcast while discussing the race in Melbourne. Jordan revealed how he could not believe his ears when a commentator pondered on the idea of whether Ferrari would ask Sainz to switch with his teammate Charles Leclerc running in second during the race. Jordan insisted Sainz Ferrari could not ask that of him as he needed that race win and maybe some more to make his case for a seat in 2025.
He also believed his race win was a perfect example of how Sainz is capable of driving at a high level and Red Bull can seriously consider Sainz to replace either of their drivers in 2025.
While complimenting Sainz’s race, he pointed out one possible scenario which he did not agree with. Jordan said, “He moved ahead from Leclerc and I heard one of the commentators say ‘Do you think Ferrari should allow Leclerc to pass?’ and, oh my god, don’t ever do something like that because this was his race win. He’s looking for the best seat he can get. Please remember, he started off at Toro Rosso and I would say if Red Bull were to lose someone like Max or if they were to replace somebody like Perez, you have to say that Carlos would be one of the key people.”
We’ve already heard multiple rumors and suggestions of Sainz to Red Bull and how that will be not such a good idea. However, let us give you the perspective of Peter Windsor who sees the positive side of Sainz driving alongside Verstappen.
We all know Verstappen and Sainz have been teammates in the past at Toro Rosso. However, both of them have come a long way since. Now, heading into the most uncertain year F1 has perhaps ever produced, Peter Windsor pondered on the possibility of the old teammates reuniting. Unlike many who believe it will create tensions and would be a disaster, Windsor has remained optimistic.
He said, “There’s no way now that the top teams can’t be thinking seriously about Carlos Sainz. At Red Bull now you’d have to be saying Carlos Sainz-Max Verstappen, not a bad combination. I, personally, think Max would be okay with Carlos Sainz in the other car and maybe that’s what they will do now. Maybe as a result of what’s happened, this has opened a door at Red Bull for Carlos Sainz to replace Sergio Perez.”
Now, we won’t know for sure until we see the two racing together. However, the fact Sainz will and wants to challenge for race wins will become a topic of contention between the two. However, all signs point toward Verstappen getting a strong teammate in 2025 so why not Sainz?
