Sainz Named 'Best Possible Option' For Mercedes And Red Bull By Former Team Principal
F1Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at 19:30
Former F1 driver and team principal Luis Perez Sala stated that Carlos Sainz would be the "best possible" option for both Mercedes and Red Bull.
There have been two races in the 2024 season so far, but Carlos Sainz competed only in the first one—the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Spaniard couldn't attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to urgent appendix surgery.
Nevertheless, his performance in Bahrain was supreme. Ferrari didn't have the pace to match Red Bull, but Sainz closely trailed Sergio Perez throughout the race and finished in P3. Perez Sala told AS:
"He was named the best driver of the race, and I thought it was very fair. He had an amazing race from the first to the last lap, with several commendable overtakes and great race management. I was very happy for him."
Unfortunately, the 29-year-old went into this season knowing he would be replaced at Scuderia by the seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The former team principal said he couldn't understand the timing of Ferrari's decision.
"Surely. It's very hard for me to understand such a decision so soon, before starting a season. It's not something good for your current drivers or your team. Everyone is very professional, but it's not the ideal situation."
"To be very honest, it escapes my reason. You would have to ask them, but I really do not understand the reason for this decision."
The Spanish Ferrari driver now has a couple of months to show other teams what he's got and to find himself a seat for the upcoming season.
He has proved already in the past that he belongs to the best on the grid, so there is no worry that we won't see Sainz in 2025. But the question is where. Perez Sala believes that Sainz is currently the best option out there for both Mercedes and Red Bull.
"I believe that right now, of the drivers that will be free, he is the best possible option for any team that wants to fight for the World Championship. For Mercedes, it would be a good bet, and very possibly for Red Bull as well."
It seems Sainz is currently exploring his options. He was rumored to have started the talks with Mercedes' team principal already, and his father was also spotted speaking to Christian Horner.
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