A bombshell report from a top F1 insider has just dropped, and it’s turning the 2027 driver market completely upside down. Carlos Sainz is reportedly eyeing a shock move to Red Bull if Max Verstappen decides to leave the team.
According to BBC analyst Andrew Benson, Sainz is growing frustrated with Williams’ lack of progress for 2026 and is quietly hoping for a massive opportunity. On the Chequered Flag podcast, Benson revealed that the Spaniard is crossing his fingers for a Red Bull seat opening if Verstappen heads elsewhere. But Benson doesn’t think that dream will come true.
He explained that if Verstappen leaves, he’s likely only going to Mercedes or McLaren. That would mean the driver Verstappen replaces—either George Russell or Oscar Piastri—would simply slide into the Red Bull seat instead of Sainz. So the 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 is just getting started.
Meanwhile, young British sensation Ollie Bearman is making his own ambitions clear. The Haas star, just 21, has been linked to Aston Martin as Fernando Alonso mulls his future. But Bearman told the Beyond The Grid podcast that he’s not looking at Aston Martin right now.
He’s focused on one thing: becoming a Ferrari driver one day.
He admitted that his goal might be “a bit selfish,” but he’s okay with that. He wants to fight for world championships, and if Ferrari can’t offer that, he’ll go elsewhere. No waiting around for years.
Speaking of Alonso, the 45-year-old two-time champion is reportedly seeking a massive 40 million euros per year for his next contract. That would match Charles Leclerc’s recent Ferrari extension. Sources in Spain claim Alonso is leaning toward staying at Aston Martin, with an announcement possibly coming around the Dutch Grand Prix later this month.
The team’s new Honda power unit upgrade could be the deciding factor.
And what about a possible Sainz replacement at Williams? According to Japanese publication Auto Sport Web, Sergio Perez’s contract with Cadillac is actually up at the end of this season, not 2027. Perez’s management has reportedly already started talks with Williams boss James Vowles.
The Mexican driver has struggled this year, with four retirements in the last seven races and a best finish of 14th. He needs a fresh start.
Over at Audi, Nico Hulkenberg is happy to stay—if three conditions are met. He told BILD: “As long as I’m having fun, the stopwatch is accurate, and the team wants me, I’ll drive for Audi.” He’s confident the project is moving in the right direction.
So with Verstappen’s future, Alonso’s contract, Bearman’s Ferrari dream, and Perez’s potential move, the 2027 silly season is already shaping up to be one of the wildest ever. Will any of these dominoes fall before the summer break?
