Why Red Bull didn’t re-sign Vettel as ‘mistake’ made by Carlos Sainz – round-up

Sebastian Vettel from Red Bull and Carlos Sainz from Ferrari.

The first weekend of the F1 summer break shutdown doesn’t mean things have gone quiet just yet – check out the latest F1 news from Sunday!

Despite all F1 factories being closed and most of the top personalities enjoying their time on the beach, numerous F1 news stories continue to dominate the headlines.

F1 news: Helmut Marko reveals reasons for not bringing back Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel, a four-time F1 World Champion, is nearing almost two full seasons away from the sport, yet he has not completely ruled out a return to Formula 1.

The possibility of a dream reunion with Red Bull has been hinted at, especially with Sergio Perez’s form wavering. However, Helmut Marko has disclosed that due to Max Verstappen’s reputation for outperforming his teammates, it is unlikely that Vettel will be paired with him.

“Sebastian has been absent for two years already,” Marko commented, referring to the driver who delivered Red Bull its initial championships during a commanding streak from 2010 to 2013.

Hülkenberg, who has also been on a longer break, is not a four-time World Champion. Thus, he is even more eager.

Honestly, I didn’t want to put Sebastian next to Max in the Red Bull.

Read more: ‘Honestly, Sebastian next to Max in the Red Bull?’ – Helmut Marko explains why Vettel reunion could not happen

Peter Windsor suggests Carlos Sainz ‘big mistake’

This week, the future of Carlos Sainz was finally settled as he signed a long-term contract with Williams. Reports suggest that his contract includes exit clauses that would enable him to leave at his convenience if a position at Red Bull or Mercedes opens up. However, team leader James Vowles has brushed these off as mere “speculation”.

Peter Windsor, former team manager for Williams, thinks Sainz made a “big mistake” if he didn’t include Ferrari in a clause, assuming such a clause exists.

Appearing on the Cameron F1 YouTube channel, Windsor said: “Big mistake, if that’s the actual wording [of the clause], because why hasn’t he got Ferrari in there?

Consider the scenario where Lewis, for any given reason, decides to quit after one year and a seat in a Ferrari becomes available.

Suppose Carlos Sainz had just renewed his contract with Williams after finishing second in the Hungarian Grand Prix, expressing his love for the team. However, a week later, a spot opens up at Ferrari and they are on the phone pleading: ‘Carlos, come back! We adore you, come back!’

“What happens then?

Why doesn’t he have Ferrari included? Why is he solely considering Red Bull and Mercedes?

Alternatively, is he so frustrated with Ferrari that he would never consider driving for them?

Read more: Big Carlos Sainz ‘mistake’ identified amid special Williams contract clause rumours

Paul Monaghan: Red Bull ‘feels like home’

Paul Monaghan, the chief engineer for Red Bull, recently signed a new contract with the World Champions. Approaching nearly two decades of service with the team based in Milton Keynes, Monaghan stated he did not see opportunities elsewhere as more advantageous.

When PlanetF1.com asked Monaghan why he still wants to work with Red Bull after all this time, he responded by saying he considers the team as his “home”.

Monaghan stated he couldn’t envision leaving “home” and not being a part of the transition, as Red Bull is gearing up to become entirely autonomous as an F1 and power unit manufacturer with the initiation of its in-house Red Bull Power Trains programme production.

“He said, ‘When you consider what’s on the horizon for the next few years and the people I’m acquainted with… faces may change, but this place has essentially become home, hasn’t it?”

“In 2026, we’re independent, right? What a fantastic opportunity! The investment Red Bull is making for us to create our own engine is crazy, isn’t it? But it’s also genius!”

Read more: ‘It feels like home’ – Senior Red Bull figure opens up on new F1 contract extension

Eddie Jordan: Lewis Hamilton back to his best

Former F1 boss Eddie Jordan believes Lewis Hamilton is back to his best, having ended a 56-race spell without victory by taking wins in two of the last three races.

Discussing Hamilton’s form with Formula For Success podcast partner David Coulthard, Jordan agreed with Coulthard that Hamilton had appeared to have his mind on his upcoming move to Ferrari during the early part of 2024 but is now fully focused on delivering the goods for Mercedes to end his tenure at Brackley.

“Jordan said that at the start of the year, Lewis was undoubtedly very focused on joining Ferrari. He was intent on getting the right people and ensuring that Fred Vasseur was on board,”

Next year, Ferrari is expected to be a strong contender. They will be thrilled to witness the resurgence of Lewis. Despite any reassurances from Mercedes about their ability to outperform George or any other competitor, Ferrari is confident in their power and potential.

The Mercedes team will certainly be formidable moving forward, but Ferrari is set to be exceptionally powerful.

“I believe Lewis has regained his form and is eyeing a championship fight for next year. Who can argue that he’s mistaken?”

Read more: Lewis Hamilton declared ‘right back on his game’ as Eddie Jordan raises Ferrari theory

Angela Cullen reveals retiring from motorsport before IndyCar call

Angela Cullen, Lewis Hamilton’s former physio, shared her experience on the IndyCar YouTube channel of a challenging introduction to F1 racing with Hamilton. She also revealed her decision to retire from motorsport following her split with Hamilton.

However, a coincidental connection with Marcus Armstrong has led to Armstrong transitioning to IndyCar — an environment she is now extremely fond of.

“He asked me if I wanted to come to a race,” she said. “And I enthusiastically responded that I’d love to.”

“IndyCar just struck me with such enjoyment, it’s incredibly fun. I’ve completely fallen in love with it, it’s extraordinary.”

“The racing and drivers are both incredible. I was astonished by the skill level of everyone in the paddock. Hence, I arrived and have not left since.”

Read more: Angela Cullen opens up on ‘huge learning curve’ with Lewis Hamilton and her motorsport return