Carlos Sainz, who had been aiming for a contract extension with Ferrari, saw his plans change dramatically when news broke that Lewis Hamilton would be taking his seat for next season.

The Spaniard has been in top form, winning two races for Ferrari in 2024 and being the only non-Red Bull driver to win last season. Yet, he was left to join mid-field Williams, where he will partner Alex Albon next year.

However, recent developments have sparked rumors that Sainz could be back on the radar for a top team, namely Red Bull, which is evaluating its lineup amid Sergio Perez's struggles. Despite Perez’s contract running through 2026, his inconsistent performances have left Red Bull considering its options.

Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto, who joined Williams mid-season as a stand-in for Logan Sargeant, has quickly impressed. His strong performances have led to speculation that he could step up to Red Bull, either in Perez’s seat or with Red Bull's sister team, RB.

Rumors reached new heights after Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was spotted visiting Williams’ hospitality area during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend.

Initially, it was believed Horner's discussions with Williams were centered on Colapinto, but reports soon emerged suggesting Sainz’s name was also in the mix. Although Horner dismissed any notion of Red Bull actively pursuing Sainz, the rumors haven’t quieted.

Seven-time F1 grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has now entered the debate, suggesting that Red Bull should consider negotiating with Williams to bring Sainz back into the fold.

“If I were Christian Horner and the director of Red Bull, I would go to Williams and say, ‘you’re happy with Colapinto, keep him and give me Sainz’,” he told W Radio Colombia.

“Why am I going to take the risk of replacing Checo, who is experienced in Formula 1, has won races, to put a rookie against Max?

“A rookie against Albon is tough, but you can do it. Look at Albon, whenever he has been under pressure and has had a fast team-mate he has crashed and continues to do so.

“Max doesn’t make mistakes and he doesn’t fail, so it’s complicated.”

He added: “Knowing Carlos, he has told Williams that he has signed for them, but if he does not win or achieve podium finishes, he can leave if he gets another offer.

“They could say to Williams: 'You can lose Carlos now or in a year's time. Now you get money, in a year you don't.' 

“If it comes to that, that's the move I would make if I were Red Bull. I wouldn't go for Colapinto, I would go for Carlos.”