Carlos Sainz, who needs to find a new team for the 2025 Formula 1 season, would have received a tempting offer from Audi, to race for the team next year, when it will still be Sauber (Stake F1 Team), with the German manufacturer officially joining on the grid in 2026.
According to Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, Audi has offered Sainz a three-year contract to become a driver for the team from next season. The German carmaker will take over from Sauber, which currently races under the name Stake F1 Team.
Audi has already started to put together its structure for F1 and announced this week the hiring of Nico Hulkenberg, who currently races for Haas.
Sainz needs to define his future for 2025 as Ferrari have opted for Lewis Hamilton to replace him next season.
Marko stated that Audi offered Sainz a long-term contract. “Sainz is in a great phase at the moment,” Marko told OE24. “I think he has a very good offer from Audi for three years, but he needs to make a decision soon.”
“We, on the other hand, are not going to make a decision anytime soon. We don’t let ourselves be pressured by these things. But of course, we are analyzing the options,” he added, referring to Sergio Perez’s contract ending at the end of this year, but who remains the favorite for the Red Bull seat in 2025.
Marko confirmed that Red Bull had spoken to Sainz, but admitted that the team was unable to match Audi’s financial proposal.
Sainz began his Formula 1 career within Red Bull’s young driver program, racing for the then Toro Rosso, now RB.
When asked about Sainz’s previous relationship with Red Bull, Marko replied: “Well, he was still very young at that time. But in that time, he has developed very well and is showing incredible performance”, added the Red Bull Racing consultant.
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