Brundle: Sainz's family ties hindered Red Bull return

Formula 1 veteran Martin Brundle has offered insight into why Red Bull Racing potentially overlooked Carlos Sainz for a future drive, despite the Spaniard's impressive form and availability on the driver market.

The revelation comes as Sainz continues to demonstrate his exceptional abilities, most recently claiming victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Past relationships cast long shadows

The relationship between Sainz and Red Bull has a complex history, dating back to their shared beginnings when Sainz and Max Verstappen were teammates at Toro Rosso in 2015.

According to Brundle, the dynamics between the drivers' fathers may have played a crucial role in preventing a reunion.

"Red Bull are sort of on the back foot, despite being the only team with, effectively, a junior team on the grid in VCARB,"

Brundle explained during Sky F1's coverage.

"But I think it goes back to when they were teammates, Max and Carlos, and the two drivers and the two dads, it was all pretty feisty, and I think that was the impediment from going back there."

Proving his worth

Despite being forced to leave Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton in 2025, Sainz has maintained exceptional professional conduct and performance levels.

His second victory of the 2024 season in Mexico City underscores his continued development as a top-tier driver.

"He's a world-class driver, and he brings a really good work ethic too,"

Brundle emphasized, highlighting the widespread interest Sainz generated among teams with available seats.

The Sky F1 commentator noted how Sainz's mature handling of his Ferrari departure has impressed potential employers across the paddock.

Williams move and future prospects

Sainz's eventual signing with Williams for 2025 marks a significant shift in his career trajectory.

While the move to a rebuilding team might seem like a step backward, Brundle points out a more poignant reality facing the Spanish driver.

"The problem for Carlos is he already has his dream drive. He's a young, fast Ferrari driver. What more could you want? So he's losing his dream position,"

Brundle reflected. The challenge ahead lies in Williams' ongoing development under James Vowles' leadership, with success heavily dependent on the team's ability to return to competitiveness.

Sainz himself remains optimistic about his future prospects, responding to Brundle's earlier interview suggestion of a potential Ferrari return with an emphatic "Exactly!"

This response perhaps indicates that the Spanish driver views his Williams move as a temporary detour rather than a career endpoint.