Red Bull door 'remains open' for Sainz despite latest snub

Christian Horner believes "options still remain open" for Carlos Sainz to possibly join Red Bull in the future.

Sainz was heavily-linked with signing for Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen early in the 2024 season, especially after his Australian Grand Prix win as he searched for a new seat having lost the Ferrari one to Lewis Hamilton for '25.

Sainz's future was a hot topic for most of the European season, with the Spanish racer finally penning a deal to join Williams having also been overlooked by Mercedes to be Hamilton's replacement in an effective swap.

Red Bull ultimately opted to promote Liam Lawson to partner Verstappen, having axed Sergio Perez, as Horner detailed why Sainz was rejected, having also been overlooked for promotion in 2016 when Verstappen stepped up mid-season from Toro Rosso.

"Carlos is a great driver, and options still remain open with him in the future," Horner told select media including RacingNews365.

"He was considered, and in many respects, you'd say there was a real logic [to signing] Carlos, but we made the choice to look internally and put belief in the junior programme.

"That attracts more juniors because they see a pathway to Formula 1, and if we'd gone outside the programme, that is not sending the right message, because there is so much competition now for young drivers, even at the age of 13 or 14 between the teams.

"That is healthy because it is investing in young talent, but by joining the Red Bull programme, you see a clear pathway that if you deliver, pretty much guarantees you'll get to Formula 1.

"We would always prefer to give the opportunity to the progression of the junior programme."