Red Bull identify 29-year-old as ‘top candidate’ to replace Max Verstappen if he leaves

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The thought of Red Bull Racing having to find a replacement for three-time world champion Max Verstappen a few months ago is unimaginable.

The Dutchman has been unstoppable for the last two years and until the Australian Grand Prix, he had finished his last 43 races.

However, a report from Sky Germany suggests that Red Bull have identified their replacement for the 26-year-old if he decides to move on.

Red Bull now identify Max Verstappen’s replacement if Dutchman moves on

It’s important to note that Max Verstappen’s current contract at Red Bull doesn’t expire until 2028.

If another team on the grid wanted to sign him for 2025, it would come at an extortionate cost.

Lawrence Stroll reportedly is willing to do ‘whatever it takes’ to bring Verstappen to Aston Martin.

However, that interest might be seriously tested when Red Bull share how much signing Verstappen actually costs.

There have also been reports linking the Dutchman with a move to Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton.

A cheaper alternative does exist, with a clause inserted in his contract that he can leave if Helmut Marko moves on.

In case the unthinkable happens, Red Bull now have a ‘top candidate’ in mind as Verstappen’s replacement.

They’ve only won a handful of races but have already shown they can win Grand Prix under the right circumstances.

Red Bull keeping close tabs on Carlos Sainz

Fresh off the back of winning the Australian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz has further improved his chances of securing a top seat for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has seen him become the first confirmed free agent from the current grid.

Sky Germany suggests that Sainz has several options available to him including Sauber – who are soon to be Audi – Mercedes and Red Bull.

In fact, Sainz would be the ‘top candidate’ to be Max Verstappen’s replacement at Red Bull should the 26-year-old seek a new challenge.

The Spaniard already has ‘good connections’ with the Red Bull group thanks to his time in the academy and with Toro Rosso.

There’s also the looming decision that the team have to make on Sergio Perez, with his contract coming to an end this year.

Sainz might not be overly keen on being Verstappen’s teammate, but he may also not be in a position to turn down a chance at driving what’s likely to be the fastest car on the grid in 2025.

Carlos Sainz could have the pick of the teams for 2025 seat

As mentioned above, Carlos Sainz has been courted by several Formula 1 teams already.

He’ll be in no rush to put pen to paper for 2025 even if someone like Audi would love to have him as part of their project when they join the grid in 2026.

The current Sauber team – under the guise of Stake or Kick depending on your territory – are yet to score a point and can’t go a Grand Prix without a failed pit stop.

Mercedes is an interesting prospect at the moment.

There’s undoubtedly potential for Toto Wolff’s outfit to return to the top step of the podium, especially when the regulations change in 2026.

However, if Sainz is offered the chance to be Verstappen’s replacement at Red Bull or Hamilton’s at Mercedes, it would be a shock if he didn’t choose the Austrian team.

Formula 1 opinions can change very quickly though and if Sainz has a tough time in Japan and China, then all of a sudden their interest may cool.