Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has offered Carlos Sainz some advice on his future in the sport and warned him against joining Red Bull, should any potential opportunity arise.
The Red Bull driver lineup shake-up early in the 2025 Formula 1 season has triggered fresh uncertainty over the team’s future plans, with only Max Verstappen holding a confirmed contract until 2028 — and even that includes an exit clause that could be activated this summer.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda was promoted from Racing Bulls just two rounds into the season, replacing Liam Lawson and further highlighting the ongoing turbulence at Milton Keynes.
As Red Bull faces potential gaps to fill next year, speculation has inevitably turned to drivers from inside and outside its stable. One name that could surface is Sainz, who began his F1 career within the Red Bull system at Toro Rosso in 2015.
After his departure from Ferrari, Sainz has found a new home at Williams, where he has impressed with consistent performances — qualifying inside the top eight for the last two Grand Prix and scoring points in Saudi Arabia.
Montoya’s warning to Sainz: ‘Don’t touch Red Bull seat’
Despite Sainz’s strong form, former F1 race winner Montoya has urged the Spaniard not to consider a return to Red Bull if the opportunity arises.
More from the Azerbaijan GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport’s latest Azerbaijan GP coverage, including George Russell’s dramatic Baku victory, the full race classification, the fastest lap result, and the Driver of the Day from the 2026 race.
“If I were Carlos, I wouldn’t leave Williams,” Montoya told Spanish outlet AS. “If I were Carlos at this moment I would give Williams two years, unless Mercedes come.
“For example, if Red Bull came to offer him a seat, if I were Carlos I would stay at Williams. If I were Carlos I wouldn’t touch that Red Bull seat. It’s like going into a flower garden and there’s poison ivy.”
Montoya’s words reflect a cautionary stance on the politics and pressures within Red Bull, which has seen a period of instability despite Verstappen’s dominance.
Past tensions — such as the strained relationship between Carlos Sainz Sr and Jos Verstappen during their sons’ time as Toro Rosso teammates — also add another layer of complexity.
Sainz, now under contract at Williams for an initial two years with an option to extend, appears happy to bet on the Grove team’s long-term growth.
Williams have already halted 2025 car development to focus on the new regulations for 2026, signalling their ambition. Alex Albon has even declared that race wins are a realistic target for Williams by 2027.
After departing Ferrari, many believed Sainz’s top-team prospects had faded. But with his strong early performances, selfless teamwork — such as aiding Albon with DRS tactics in Jeddah — and renewed confidence, Sainz could still find himself back in the frame for elite seats should Williams’ project falter.
For now, though, Montoya believes patience is key — and that Sainz should grow with Williams rather than re-enter the chaos of Red Bull.
