Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz are now well-established candidates for an Audi seat. Both drivers have been consistently linked with the German manufacturer – especially Hulkenberg, who was approached by Sauber last year. However, it is reported that Yuki Tsunoda will also be on Audi’s shortlist if Sainz decides against joining the team.
Almost three-quarters of the F1 field are without contracts for 2025 – and the rampant speculation is proof of this. There are several key players from the top to the bottom of Formula 1 jostling to put together the best driver pairing.
RED BULL UNCERTAIN ABOUT TSUNODA
Red Bull’s internal battles have created uncertainties about Verstappen and Checo Perez’s future. Of course, the Mexican driver knew that 2024 was the final year of his contract. However, the political tug-of-war within the Austrian team has created doubt about Verstappen – somewhat remarkable given his contract is valid until 2028.
There are many big names available as free agents. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz are among the biggest, but the F1 driver market goes far beyond them.
Inevitably, there is huge scrutiny on RB’s driver combination. Daniel Ricciardo returned to Formula 1 last year – quite explicitly – with the intention of ending his career with Red Bull.
It is no secret that Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are fond of the Australian driver. With that said, Ricciardo is failing to deliver the results necessary to earn a top drive – particularly with Sergio Perez’s current form.
(Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
TSUNODA UNDER CONSIDERATION IF SAINZ GOES ELSEWHERE
However, strong performances are in abundant supply for Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver has secured all seven of Racing Bulls’ points in 2024. His qualifying record to start the season has also been brilliant, starting no lower than P11 in the opening four rounds.
Despite this, the Red Bull hierarchy is uncertain about whether he could deliver to the main team. This is especially true of Christian Horner, with Helmut Marko generally the more vocal supporter of the 23-year-old.
As a result, Tsunoda might consider looking to teams elsewhere on the grid. To be clear, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Pierre Gasly is learning this the hard way at Alpine.
Still, it seems reasonable that Tsunoda should have conversations with alternatives. Speaking of alternatives, Audi is reported by German outlet AMuS as having Tsunoda on their radar.
As mentioned previously, Audi is openly considering Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz as options. However, this does not mean both drivers will join, with the Spanish driver likely having more established outfits to choose from.
In this environment, Audi will keep a rapidly developing youngster like Yuiki Tsunoda on their radar. In his column for Speedweek, Helmut Marko admitted that the youngster is “being noticed on the driver market.”
Perpahs more than in recent memory, high-performing drivers have a plethora of opportunities at their disposal.
