Former F1 driver Martin Brundle is of the opinion that it would be an injustice if Carlos Sainz is left without a competitive drive in 2019.

The 23-year-old Spaniard is still contracted to Red Bull inspite of racing for Renault. On paper, he seems to be the most obvious candidate to fill the seat vacated by Daniel Ricciardo. What also works in his favour is that the Aussie moves to Renault, Sainz’s current team. So this could essentially be seen as a swap between the two drivers.

However, reports have emerged that Red Bull could give preference to Red Bull junior Pierre Gasly. Those reports suggest that the Austrian marquee wishes to comply with Max Verstappen’s terms and conditions. The Dutchman made it clear that he did not want to be paired with his former Toro Rosso team mate next season.

According to the silly season rumours, if Red Bull release Sainz, he could be headed to McLaren. Team boss Zak Brown has admitted that he has taken a keen interest in the Spaniard.

Brundle and several of F1’s paddock pundits wish to see Sainz with a competitive ride. According to them F1 will make a mockery of itself if Sainz is without a drive.

“If Carlos Sainz doesn’t get a strong drive in F1 next year it will be a travesty, annoy me intensely, and reflect badly on F1,” Brundle said.

Sainz is undoubtedly talented and a driver of his calibre will be sorely missed in the F1 paddock. Hopefully, for the sake of F1, he manages to get a drive worthy of his talent. Back when he and Verstappen were teammates, the two were almost evenly matched on a number of occasions.

Should Red Bull give the Spaniard the green light to join their team? or should McLaren snatch him up while they have the chance?