Audi has expressed interest in Carlos Sainz, who will be a free agent for the upcoming season. Sainz was taken by surprise when Ferrari decided to replace him in 2025. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old has assured that he will give his all in his final season at Maranello. However, Sainz has yet to secure a seat in Formula 1 for next year. Recent reports suggest that Audi has given him an ultimatum regarding a potential move to Sauber.
Audi has been eyeing Sainz for some time now. There were rumors that he and another driver were top contenders to join Sauber next year before Audi’s takeover in 2026. According to reports, Sainz has been given a two-week ultimatum to confirm his seat at Audi from 2026 onwards.
Sainz had previously mentioned his timeline to secure a seat for the upcoming season. The German manufacturer expects a response from the 29-year-old by mid-April. If he fails to answer in due time, Sainz could miss out on an exciting opportunity for his future. However, he may have other offers on the table as well.
Former F1 driver Fiorio shared his thoughts on Sainz’s situation. He believes that Audi sees Sainz as a top driver who can guide the carmaker once it enters F1 in 2026. Sainz’s experience could be crucial in helping Audi establish itself as a front runner on the grid.
If Sainz decides to join Audi, he would have to write off the 2025 season. The Sauber-run Stake F1 team will only be controlled by Audi once it officially enters the sport in 2026. Fiorio points out that this would be a “lost year” for Sainz in Formula 1. This factor could influence Sainz’s decision for his future.
Ultimately, Carlos Sainz will need to make a decision soon. Audi offers an exciting long-term project in F1, but Sainz may be interested in joining an existing team instead of betting on the German manufacturer, which could take years to become a front runner.