Helmut Marko suggested in an interview following the fourth round of the 2024 season that Carlos Sainz will be considered for the seat at Red Bull.
Carlos Sainz woke up to really surprising news one day ahead of the 2024 season. He learned his contract with Ferrari would not be extended, as the team had signed the seven-time World Champion instead.
This was a very tough situation for the Spanish driver, as Jacques Villeneuve suggested that his value on the driver market even decreased as a consequence.
However, after the fourth round of the 2024 season, it is safe to say that the Spanish driver couldn't have dealt with this situation better.
He participated in three races so far and outperformed his teammate Charles Leclerc in all three. Moreover, he also stood on the podium in all three of these races and even won one of them.
Sainz's value on the market is probably higher at the moment than it has ever been and all of the top teams that are searching for a candidate have the 29-year-old on their list.
Speaking to Motorsport.com after the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, where Sainz finished third behind the two Red Bull drivers, Helmut Marko said:
"Sainz came into Formula 1 through Red Bull and also had a very good year back then at Toro Rosso. Sainz is certainly a name to consider."
Sainz started his three seasons with Toro Rosso alongside Max Verstappen, and even though his performances were strong, Red Bull decided to promote the Dutchman to the top team instead of him.
While Sainz will definitely be considered for the seat at Red Bull as he is one of the best drivers on the grid, Marko emphasized that we should not expect to hear his final decision so soon.
"Normally, we don't talk about driver decisions at all in April, but somehow, the whole thing seems to have moved forward a lot. But it's still too early for us, we will certainly wait some time before we make a decision."