F1 News: Audi Keeps Pressure On Carlos Sainz To Make Contract Decision

Audi's bid to secure Carlos Sainz for 2025 intensifies as the F1 driver market heats up, with multiple teams eyeing his signature.

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. of Spain during media / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Audi is stepping up its efforts to secure Carlos Sainz for their 2025 Formula One campaign, under the Sauber Stake F1 team ahead of Audi's entry in 2026. Amidst growing interest from other teams, the pressure is on Sainz to decide his future.

Key Takeaways:

• Audi is acquiring Sauber in 2026 and they are keen to secure Sainz as their lead driver.
• Sainz faces a pivotal career decision as his stint with Ferrari ends in 2024, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace him.
• Other F1 teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull, have also been linked to Sainz, highlighting his sought-after status in the driver market.

According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Audi's push to sign Carlos Sainz is intensifying as the German manufacturer prepares for its official entry into Formula One in 2026. As it stands, Audi's collaboration with Sauber is serving as a stepping stone, with an eye on Sainz to potentially lead their line-up. This development comes as Sainz is being ushered out of Ferrari, making room for seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

The situation places Sainz at a critical juncture in his career. The Spanish driver has demonstrated his prowess with two grand prix wins in Singapore and Australia—the only victories by a non-Red Bull driver since 2022. This track record has not gone unnoticed, with top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull evaluating him as a potential addition to their rosters.

Mercedes, in particular, sees Sainz as an ideal replacement for Hamilton, considering their need to fill a significant gap. On the other hand, Red Bull may consider Sainz should they decide to part ways with Sergio Perez whose contract also expires at the end of this year. However, with Fernando Alonso reaffirming his commitment to Aston Martin, Sainz's options may be narrowing, enhancing Audi's appeal.

Joining Sauber in 2025, a year before it rebrands as Audi, would mean Sainz is committing to a long-term vision, aligning with the new regulations introduced in 2026. Despite this opportunity, Audi remains pragmatic, exploring other potential candidates if Sainz declines. Nico Hulkenberg has emerged as a strong alternative, particularly given his impressive performances for Haas this season.

As the decision looms, the implications for Sainz and Audi's future in Formula One are substantial. With multiple teams poised to reshape their driver lineups, Sainz’s choice will undoubtedly ripple across the grid.