With his contract expiring, potential destinations include Red Bull, Mercedes, or Sauber, which is preparing to rebrand as Audi next year.
Helmut Marko ensures that Red Bull is not affected by Audi’s tempting proposal for Carlos Sainz.
Sainz, currently driving for Ferrari, faces being replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025, becoming a focal point in the Formula 1 driver market.
With his contract expiring, potential destinations include Red Bull, Mercedes, or Sauber, which is preparing to rebrand as Audi next year.
Red Bull could pair Sainz with Max Verstappen by parting ways with Sergio Perez. Marko stated: “Sainz is currently in excellent condition… I believe he has a very exceptional three-year offer from Audi.”
“However, Red Bull refuses to succumb to external pressures, emphasizing: “We will not let things like this put us under pressure.”
Marko acknowledges Sainz’s development since his early days at Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen, noting his exceptional current form.
Despite Sainz’s recent wins in races that Red Bull lost, including one shortly after an appendicitis surgery in Australia, the team is considering his reinstatement, potentially replacing Perez, who has shown commendable performance this season.
Audi’s interest in Sainz complicates the driver market, as they plan to assert dominance by renaming Sauber in 2026.
Sainz’s connection to Audi, stemming from his father’s success in the Dakar Rally with the manufacturer, adds intrigue to his possible move.
Nevertheless, the transition to Sauber in 2025 does not offer a guarantee of competitiveness compared to Ferrari’s current position.
In essence, while Audi’s proposal hangs in the air, Red Bull remains steadfast in its approach, prioritizing strategic decision-making over reactionary measures.
The imminent change in team dynamics and driver line-ups highlights the intricate dance of negotiations and ambitions within the ever-changing ecosystem of Formula 1.
