Red Bull are in talks with Sainz – but they also have an offer from Audi

Where is Ferrari star Carlos Sainz headed next year? The Spaniard is in the form of his life, but still has no cockpit for 2025. Sainz will lose his place at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton after this season. With his strong start to the season, the 29-year-old is delivering a remarkable letter of application.

This has not been recognized by his former sponsor Red Bull, which still has a cockpit in 2025. Sergio Perez, for his part, also started the new season well. However, it is no secret that the Mexican still has to extend his contract.

Sainz is also one of the possible contenders – Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has now confirmed this. The Austrian made no secret to the “Kleine Zeitung” that there were discussions with the former Red Bull supporter.

“We are talking to him, he is having his strongest season in Formula 1,” says Marko, praising the former Toro Rosso driver. However, Marko also confirms that Sainz is on Audi adventures. “He has a very good offer from Audi that we cannot match or beat,” said the Austrian.

The German manufacturer will enter the first class of motorsport with Sauber as a works team from 2026. Since his entry became known, Sainz has been considered one of the main candidates for the cockpit. The biggest obstacle to such a change is probably not money, but Sauber’s current crisis.

There are also some interesting options for Sainz – Red Bull is not the only one interested. Mercedes is also considering the Spaniard to close the gap to Hamilton. Aston Martin is also not sure that Lance Stroll will continue his work. The Canadian is said to be toying with a move to Aston Martin’s long-range project.