Windsor hears in paddock: 'Perez has already extended Red Bull contract'

Carlos Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday while Max Verstappen retired because of problems on his RB20. Formula 1 analyst Peter Windsor would like to see Sainz alongside Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, but he explained he is also hearing several rumours that Sergio Perez's contract for next season has already been extended.

Following the Ferrari driver's victory in Melbourne, Windsor is clear. "Because there's no way now that the top teams can't be thinking seriously about Carlos Sainz. And at Red Bull now, you'd have to be saying, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, not a bad combination. I personally think Max would be OK with Carlos Sainz in the other car."

Sainz does not seem to have a future at Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have already signed contracts for next year. Windsor also comes up with a striking rumour. "I heard in the paddock area from various sources that are pretty reliable that Sergio has already renewed his contract for next year. In which case, you'd say, well, what was the rush?"

Another option does not seem ideal for Sainz, Windsor explained. "And if that's the case, well, that door obviously then is closed for Carlos Sainz. Which leaves really the only option that really works for him would be a plug-in year at Mercedes alongside George Russell. Which wouldn't be a comfortable year for Carlos, really. Just having to jump in the car, George Russell in the other car, all a bit pressure-filled and difficult. Doing so with a contract to join Audi in 2026."