According to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, Carlos Sainz has a multi-year contract with Audi on the table. This aligns with the consensus in the paddock, which is that the German manufacturer is eager to sign the Spaniard. Moving forward, Sainz has several potential destinations to evaluate.
It is well-established that Audi wants Carlos Sainz in its car. Audi is serious about its ambitions in Formula 1 and wants a driver line-up to match. Elsewhere on the grid, Nico Hulkenberg is understood to be the German brand’s priority target. Sauber approached the 36-year-old last season. Therefore, it is plausible that an agreement will be reached for 2025.
Whilst the Haas driver is widely seen as a relatively attainable option, the same cannot be said about Sainz. At least from the Audi perspective, attracting a 3-time race winner is no easy task. With other big names like Red Bull and Mercedes keeping Sainz on their radar, convincing him to sign on the dotted line is difficult.
This is especially true given that Audi is understood to be eager for a response. Unlike the two previously mentioned teams, the German constructor wants a relatively swift conclusion to their driver market exploits.
AUDI SAINZ CONTRACT REVEALED
In a recent interview, Helmut Marko provided his insights into the state of negotiations:
“Sainz is currently in great shape,” he told oe24.
“I think he has a very great three-year offer from Audi. But he has to make a decision relatively soon.
“We, on the other hand, won’t make a decision soon. We don’t let things like that put us under pressure.”
There is no denying that Sainz would be a massive signing for Sauber-owned Audi. Of course, there is also no guarantee the 29-year-old will land a seat with Red Bull or Mercedes. If he waits too long for either team’s verdict, he could miss out on other options available.
On the flip side, Sainz might be confident enough in his chances to push for a contract with a more established front-runner.
