After leaving Ferrari: Sainz is spoiled for choice – Formula 1

Carlos Sainz is highly sought after on the driver market. © APA/afp / PEDRO PARDO

Motoring consultant Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull are in talks with Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz. But that’s not his only option.

18. April 2024

From: dpa

“Carlos has a very good offer from Audi that we can’t match or beat,” said Marko A small newspaper from Austria in an interview.

After this season, Sainz must leave his cockpit at Ferrari for world record champion Lewis Hamilton, while Mexican Sergio Pérez’s contract at Red Bull expires at the end of the year. Audi will compete with its own works team from 2026 after taking over the Sauber racing team. The current two pilots of the traditional team from Switzerland each have only one contract for this season.

Back to the roots?

Sainz began his Formula 1 career with Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso, which now competes under the name Visa RB. At the time, the 29-year-old was driving with Max Verstappen. The Dutchman became a Red Bull driver in 2016 and is now a three-time world champion. It really hurt Sainz at the time “when we were at Red Bull we relied on Verstappen and not him,” Marko said. A small newspaper.

The 80-year-old also made it clear in the interview that Pérez would be the best option for 2025 at Red Bull if he can maintain his previous performances this season. “It is clear that ‘Checo’ is currently having his best season since he has been with us.”