Carlos Sainz and his management have been in talks with multiple Formula 1 teams regarding his future in the sport, with his Ferrari contract set to end next season due to Lewis Hamilton’s arrival.
Until Fernando Alonso’s contract extension with Aston Martin, Sainz was considering options at eight different teams. One prominent possibility was a move to Red Bull, either as a replacement for Sergio Perez or if Max Verstappen were to depart amidst the ongoing management disputes within the team.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, publicly expressed interest in Sainz during the recent Suzuka Grand Prix, where he also mentioned pressure from Audi in the driver market.
It’s been long understood that Audi had been eyeing Sainz for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026, especially given his existing connections through his father’s involvement with Audi’s Dakar Rally program.
However, Marko revealed to Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung that Red Bull cannot match the “very lucrative” offer made by Audi to Sainz. He acknowledged Sainz’s strong performance this season and the history between Sainz and Red Bull, dating back to their time together at Toro Rosso.
Marko also addressed rumors about Red Bull’s driver lineup, particularly concerning Daniel Ricciardo’s form and the potential inclusion of Liam Lawson. He mentioned the complexity of the situation and the possibility of seeing Lawson in Formula 1 this season, given his contractual entitlement to drive for another team if he doesn’t secure a seat at Red Bull in 2025.
In conclusion, while Red Bull remains interested in Sainz, they acknowledge the financial limitations compared to Audi’s offer, and they continue to assess their options regarding their driver lineup.
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