Talks about Carlos Sainz jr immediately replacing a Caterham driver for the German grand prix and beyond took place at Silverstone last weekend.
Multiple Spanish sources are confirming the news, although they disagree about his chances. According to El Mundo Deportivo, it is a very real “possibility”, following talks between Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko, Sainz’s father Carlos Sainz, and new Caterham ‘advisor’ Colin Kolles.
Speculation says talks took place about forgiving Caterham’s outstanding gearbox bills to Red Bull if Sainz, the latest cream of the energy drink company’s junior programme, stepped in immediately to replace Kamui Kobayashi. “Nothing is final, nor is it the only option,” the newspaper quoted a source close to 19-year-old Sainz. “Currently, Carlos is focused on this weekend’s round of the Renault world series, and then we will talk and see.”
The Spanish sports daily AS admits that a Hockenheim debut for Sainz was initially a possibility, but a deal between Red Bull and Caterham was not agreed. “So now the intention of Red Bull is that Sainz will step into the Toro Rosso on a Friday this year, and next year he will be a race driver,” the report said.
Image: Red Bull
