F1 Rumour: Carlos Sainz Has Signed A Pre-Contract With Audi Formula One Team
Carlos Sainz has reportedly signed a pre-contract with Audi which is set to join the F1 grid in 2026.
The Spanish driver is currently in a contract with Ferrari until the end of 2024. However, it has also been reported that he has signed a 2+3 year contract extension with the Maranello-based squad, which would mean he would have another two years with the option of a third if it is true.
According to a report from Australian publication Auto Action, Sainz has signed a pre-contract with Audi for 2026 which is thought to be partly due to his father, Carlos Sainz Senior's strong links to the team. Sainz Junior recently commented during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend:
“I do prefer starting a season knowing where I’m going to be the following year.
“Because that takes away the distraction that there always is to be negotiating a new contract when you need to be fully focused on what you’re doing on track and on the work you have to do with the team you’re currently with.
“That’s the only way to make progress.
“While it’s still early days and the end of the season is still some four months away, it’s true that once this championship will be over I’ll fully focus on sorting my future.
“The goal is to go into the 2024 championship without any worries about it and my contract for the future already signed and sealed.”
It is worth noting that a pre-contract is not legally binding, so both rumours of the pre-contract with Audi and the contract extension with Ferrari could technically be true.
No official announcements have been made at the moment, however, with 'silly season' on the horizon, it is expected that fans will hear soon.
Some of you may ask what a pre-contract actually is and whether it's important. All we can tell you is, this move from Sainz would put Audi on the F1 map as soon as they arrive at the scene.