Sainz, Red Bull kingpin send F1 rumour mill into overdrive as duo shake hands in Japan

F1’s notorious rumour mill has once again been sent into overdrive after an intriguing image emerged of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr. walks during the second practice session ahead of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix race at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka, Mie prefecture on April 5, 2024. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)

Formula One’s notorious rumour mill has once again been sent into overdrive after Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was spotted chatting away with Red Bull team consultant Helmut Marko in the paddock at the Grand Prix of Japan.

Sainz is yet to resolve his future after it was announced Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton would be taking his place at Ferrari from 2025, with Charles Leclerc to retain his seat.

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However, pictures emerging from the paddock in Suzuka have set tongues wagging when it comes to Sainz’s next move.

Camera crews captured Sainz, Marko and Sky Germany presenter Peter Hardenacke having a chat as the trio appeared to be all smiles throughout the interaction.

But the one act that really caught the eye was a handshake between Sainz and Marko.

Nothing quite like a public handshake to get tongues wagging...#F1#CarlosSainz#HelmutMarko#F12025pic.twitter.com/dktZTNtEoA

— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) April 5, 2024

🎥 IMAGEN DAZN: Cazamos a Carlos Sainz hablando con Helmut Marko en Japón 👀#JaponDAZNF1 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/fcv1sSmRJK

— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) April 5, 2024

Of course, it could simply have been nothing more than Sainz and Marko greeting each other and there may be nothing to see here after all.

Yet with Sainz without a seat for next season and Sergio Perez no guarantee to remain with Red Bull in 2025, perhaps there is more behind the handshake than first thought.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko, Peter Hardenacke of Sky Germany and Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari talk in the Paddock. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Sainz is no stranger to the Red Bull set up having made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso, now known as Visa Cash App RB.

The Spaniard spent two full seasons with Red Bull’s sister team before moving to Renault late into his third year with Toro Rosso.

Sainz goes into the Grand Prix of Japan on the back of an impressive victory in Melbourne, a win that arrived barely two weeks after getting his appendix removed.

Originally published as Sainz, Red Bull kingpin send F1 rumour mill into overdrive as duo shake hands in Japan