With his agreement expiring, potential destinations include Red Bull, Mercedes, or Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in the upcoming year.
Helmut Marko assures that Red Bull remains unaffected by Audi’s enticing proposal to Carlos Sainz.
Sainz, presently piloting for Ferrari, faces displacement by Lewis Hamilton in 2025, making him a focal point in the Formula 1 driver market.
With his agreement expiring, potential destinations include Red Bull, Mercedes, or Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in the upcoming year.
Red Bull could pair Sainz with Max Verstappen by parting ways with Sergio Perez. Marko stated, “Sainz is presently in excellent condition… I believe he has a very exceptional three-year offer from Audi.”
“However, Red Bull refuses to yield to external pressures, emphasizing, “We won’t let things like that put us under pressure.”
Marko acknowledges Sainz’s development since his early days at Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen, noting his current exceptional form.
Despite Sainz’s recent triumphs in races Red Bull missed out on, including one shortly after an appendix surgery in Australia, the team considers reinstating him, potentially displacing Perez, who has shown commendable performance this season.
Audi’s interest in Sainz complicates the driver market, as they plan to assert dominance upon rebranding Sauber in 2026.
Sainz’s connection with Audi, stemming from his father’s success in the Dakar Rally with the manufacturer, adds intrigue to his potential move.
Christian Horner’s #RedBull still facing the sack as #FIA intervenes https://t.co/78KRi5S0mE
Nonetheless, transitioning to Sauber in 2025 offers no guarantee of competitiveness compared to Ferrari’s current standing.
In essence, while Audi’s proposal looms large, Red Bull remains unwavering in its approach, prioritizing strategic decision-making over reactionary measures.
The impending shift in team dynamics and driver lineups underscores the intricate dance of negotiations and ambitions within Formula 1’s ever-changing ecosystem.