Marko drops the bombshell: “Audi, big deal for Sainz”, but Horner denies it

In addition to the tracking action of the Chinese Doctor, Formula 1 provides twists and turns even with the engine off. Inside of test market 2024-2025, the hottest name is definitely that of Carlos Sainz, was dropped off by a Ferrari and looked for a seat. There are many contender teams: Red Bull, Mercedes, Sauber.

The last one (which will be Audi in 2026) appears the most likely place for the Madrid driver. There are two main reasons: his father’s relationship with the German manufacturer (who won the last edition of the Dakar) and the excellent relationship with Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl (his former team principal at McLaren).

Second Helmut MarkoAudi would give Sainz a three-year contract. Unlike Mercedes or Red Bull, a German company is in a hurry to define a pair of its drivers for the future. This is also shown by the amount of the proposed contract for Sainz, which again according to Marko Red Bull will not be able to match.

In a recent interview with oe24Marko explained: “Sainz is in a very good situation. I think he has a three-year contract offer from Audi and he needs to make a decision quickly. Instead, we don’t want to rush and be pressured by such issues.”.

On the one hand, at Audi Sainz would be the number 1 driver (his likely partner would be Nico Hulkenberg). On the other hand, the chances of winning, especially in the near future, may be smaller than those of Red Bull or Mercedes. In any case, only time will tell what the 29-year-old from Ferrari will have chosen.

But Christian Horner denies everything

Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, also spoke on the matter which would refute what Helmut Marko said. According to Horner, Marko could have guessed Audi’s offer to Sainz. “I pure rumor – Horner says in a press conference. We do not know if Audi has made an offer to Carlos, nor the size of this offer. He is certainly an important driver without a market and it is natural that there is great interest around him. And I’m equally sure that Audi would be foolish not to consider a driver of his caliber.”

It is no secret that there is friction between the two, but this raises another question: which of the two is lying? The answer will probably come to us when we know the finale of Sainz.