F1 news reports have revealed that Carlos Sainz is reluctant to agree to Audi’s contract offer. The German manufacturer has targeted the Spaniard for a long time and wants to see him in the team. However, Sainz is not rushing any decision. For some observers, the 29-year-old is taking an unnecessary risk in such an unpredictable market. For the Ferrari driver, however, there is a clear and very reasonable cause for waiting to see how the market evolves. Red Bull, and especially Christian Horner, are interested in his services.
CARLOS SAINZ WILL NOT RUSH HIS DECISION
The driver market is already in overdrive, barely days into May. This is an unusual situation, with contract negotiations usually heating up nearer to the summer break. Audi has been one of the driving forces in the 2024 market so far. It is widely understood that they want to finalise their driver lineup sooner rather than later.
However, this eagerness to reach an agreement is – frankly – unusual. After all, it makes sense for teams and drivers to assess their options thoroughly. Perhaps Sauber’s eagerness to pressure Sainz into a decision is because the Audi-owned team knows there are others interested in the 29-year-old.
Sainz, meanwhile, is taking his time and evaluating all options. Rushing a contract agreement for 2025 and joining a team currently last in the Championship is sub-optimal. Even with Andreas Seidl’s team set to become an engine manufacturer in 2026, their success is not guaranteed.
RED BULL INTERESTED IN SAINZ
What seems far more certain, is that Red Bull will score many race victories in 2025. As a result, the Austrian team’s interest in Sainz is something to pay close attention to. Formu1a.uno has learned that Christian Horner is especially enthusiastic about signing the Spaniard.
Red Bull’s internal feuds are well-established at this stage. The departure of Adrian Newey represents the first major casualty of the team’s power struggle. However, the consequences of the in-fighting at Milton Keynes could go beyond this.
For now, Max Verstappen is staying put. This is perfectly understandable, considering that Red Bull is still F1’s fastest team. However, only a few days ago, his father, Jos Verstappen, warned that Red Bull could be on the verge of self-destructing.
Indeed, Mercedes senses an opportunity to sign the Dutchman. If not for 2025, then certainly for 2026 – with new engines and regulations.
Christian Horner is aware that Verstappen’s long-term future at the team is not certain. This is partly why he is motivated to acquire Carlos Sainz’s services. The Spanish driver can be a very strong teammate to the reigning Champion, with Red Bull still evaluating Perez’s long-term future.
Moreover, Christian Horner considers Sainz a good option in the event that Verstappen leaves. After all, should the Dutchman go elsewhere in 2026 or beyond, the British team principal would consider Sainz a ‘top driver’. Therefore, his presence would be a good short and long-term investment.
The Red Bull team principal pushed for Technical director Pierre Wache to have more influence at Milton Keynes last year. This was at least partially motivated by his intentions of minimising the potential impact of Adrian Newey departing. In a similar vein, Carlos Sainz can become a very solid option asset for the team.
