Eddie Jordan has suggested that Carlos Sainz is only aiming to drive for Red Bull in 2025.
The 29-year-old Spaniard will be leaving Ferrari at the end of the season following the arrival of Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking on the Formula For Success Podcast, Jordan admitted that the current Constructors Champions will be his preferred destination.
Jordan thinks Sainz is aiming for Red Bull drive
Carlos Sainz has 24 races this season to show the Formula 1 paddock he deserves another race seat in 2025.
It would be a huge shock to not see him on the grid next year unless he chooses to step away.
However, it’s all about how far down the grid he may have to drop to stay in the sport.
He’s been linked with Audi although Jordan has already dismissed those suggestions in the past.
Williams are also reportedly ‘big admirers’ of the Spaniard although Alex Albon is already signed up for 2025.
Jordan believes that Sainz is now aiming for a seat at Red Bull going forward but whether he’s Max Verstappen’s dream teammate is another matter.
Although Sergio Perez didn’t perform as well as expected in 2023, the Dutchman was probably quite happy he wasn’t under a huge amount of pressure.
Sainz would be arriving back in the Red Bull fold with the aim of proving Ferrari made a mistake by letting him go.
Sainz has everything to prove during 2024 F1 season
Talking about last year’s Singapore GP winner’s future, Jordan said: “Those people who watch carefully from Bahrain, there’s no secret that Carlos [Sainz] Sr., who is a close friend of ours, Carlos [Sainz] Jr. would have learned a lot from his dad and he will say, ‘Look, that’s what’s happened.’
“Seven times world champion has taken your seat, Ferrari have made that decision.
“But, what was the photograph we all saw in every newspaper? We saw Adrian Newey, we saw Helmut Marko I’m not sure who it was but it was certainly the great and good at Red Bull and the person talking up and delivering to him was Carlos Sr.
“So, Carlos Jr. has been a Red Bull driver. I think he will do everything he can to beat Leclerc, I think that’ll be in his mindset and the reason why that’s in his mindset is he will want to convince the powers that be at Red Bull that he needs to be back there with Max if that’s the situation if that’s how the season unfolds.
“So, I think his first priority is absolutely Red Bull. Let’s be honest, he was the only Ferrari driver to win a race last year and so he has it in his mind that he’s able to win Grand Prix. Yes, he may not be as quick a race driver as Charles, but for sure he’s a better qualifier in my opinion.
“As a result of that, he has a lot going for him and we need to see how this season unfolds but I see him going deeper and deeper into his talent draw to make sure he brings out every race meeting the best. I think he has great motivation now to produce an unbelievable season for himself.”
Red Bull have wealth of options for 2025
While – as Jordan says – Sainz may be aiming for Red Bull, he needs to join the list of drivers wanting to partner Verstappen next year.
At the top of the list is Sergio Perez, who is trying to ignore speculation surrounding his future and will want to prove this year he’s the right teammate for the three-time world champion.
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that it’s his dream to step up to the Red Bull team, while his teammate Yuki Tsunoda would love to drive for them one day.
Helmut Marko has played down suggestions that Sainz might be returning to the Red Bull family, but anything can happen in Formula 1…
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