2018 Aston Martin Red Bull Racing - Tag Heuer (Renault)

[ME4ME]

I think the stage is set up quite nicely for a Red Bull Honda partnership. The final decision will depend on performance, but I don't think Honda needs to beat Renault this season to get the deal done. There are too many advantages for Red Bull to be had. There is big potential for parts-sharing between TR and RBR and they are already using the same fuel & lubricant supplier in Mobil1. After a deal is done, Red Bull can recall Sainz for 2019 and place him at TR (or RBR if needed) or make Renault empty their pockets to buy him out.

[Manoah2u]

To be honest, i'd hate to see Sainz treated like that, as if he's some piece of furniture or meat that you can throw around.
I think Renault is a better place for Carlos to be right now, with more potential.
@ RedBull there is no room, and i do wonder what would happen if DannyRic would leave.
The Verstappen-Sainz combo supposedly (i repeat, supposedly) was as bad or perhaps even worse than Rosberg-Hamilton.
So would RB actually place Sainz there, or could we actually see Gasly or Hartley go from TR to RB and play a clear 'nr2' to Max?
I don't see Sainz going back to RB, nor from RB's side nor his own side.

[Giblet]

To be honest, i'd hate to see Sainz treated like that, as if he's some piece of furniture or meat that you can throw around.
I think Renault is a better place for Carlos to be right now, with more potential.
@ RedBull there is no room, and i do wonder what would happen if DannyRic would leave.
The Verstappen-Sainz combo supposedly (i repeat, supposedly) was as bad or perhaps even worse than Rosberg-Hamilton.
So would RB actually place Sainz there, or could we actually see Gasly or Hartley go from TR to RB and play a clear 'nr2' to Max?
I don't see Sainz going back to RB, nor from RB's side nor his own side.

To be fair he's been thrown around at F1 teams because is good and in demand. Drivers have always been pawns for teams, because drivers come and go but the teams remain. Carlos seems pretty happy about his position.

[ME4ME]

I don't think Red Bull would force Sainz to drive for Toro Rosso in 2019, It just wouldn't work. He ran out of patience with Toro Rosso last year and was quite open about it. However I'm sure Red Bull would make sure that Renault pays the full price for him.

[marmer]

I don't think Red Bull would force Sainz to drive for Toro Rosso in 2019, It just wouldn't work. He ran out of patience with Toro Rosso last year and was quite open about it. However I'm sure Red Bull would make sure that Renault pays the full price for him.

He would go back if honda produce a belter and they look faster than Renault drivers are mercenaries

[gandharva]

[media]https://twitter.com/F1/status/971479486980960256[/media]

[CriXus]

Have Marchionne made him an offer he could not refuse?

[Jolle]

I don't think Red Bull would force Sainz to drive for Toro Rosso in 2019, It just wouldn't work. He ran out of patience with Toro Rosso last year and was quite open about it. However I'm sure Red Bull would make sure that Renault pays the full price for him.

He would go back if honda produce a belter and they look faster than Renault drivers are mercenaries

I guess it all depends what is in his contract. If he's still under contract for RedBull for 2019, he hasn't got much choice...

[RonDennis]

Sad news for Red Bull if true.

[Big Tea]

I don't think Red Bull would force Sainz to drive for Toro Rosso in 2019, It just wouldn't work. He ran out of patience with Toro Rosso last year and was quite open about it. However I'm sure Red Bull would make sure that Renault pays the full price for him.

He would go back if honda produce a belter and they look faster than Renault drivers are mercenaries

I guess it all depends what is in his contract. If he's still under contract for RedBull for 2019, he hasn't got much choice...

From choice, I assume he would want to take the option that shows him in the best light as a potential driver for a top team. If he thought he could get a better race out of the STR, then I don't see why he would not want to go back and 'show them how its supposed to be done'. There is also the matter of bonuses to consider. (Assuming his pay is set) if he gets the STR higher than its expected position he gets more bonus, plus pays less to FIA for points earned.

I would like to hear his take on it.

[Godius]

[media]https://twitter.com/Alphapeke/status/972460902405599232[/media]

Max did the filming day session today

[Artur Craft]

It seems the race pace of the car is great as Ricciardo made the fastest lap by a big margin

[GhostF1]

It seems the race pace of the car is great as Ricciardo made the fastest lap by a big margin

I think a little bit of that was him probably turning the power unit up trying to catch Raikkonen for 3rd.

[godlameroso]

Red Bull must be thinking, I'll take that Honda and Gasley if you don't mind.

[zac510]

Does anyone think that VES might have a RBR/Honda engine break clause? Although even if he did have such a clause in his contract, I'm not sure which top team he could move to anyway.