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

After Ferrari's exit: Sainz is spoiled for choice

Motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull is 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 lucrative offer from Audi that we cannot match or beat,” said Marko Small newspaper from Austria in an interview.

After this season, Sainz has to vacate his cockpit at Ferrari for record world champion Lewis Hamilton, while the contract of the Mexican Sergio Pérez 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 two current pilots of the traditional team from Switzerland each only have one contract for this season.

Back to the roots?

Sainz started his Formula 1 career with Red Bull sister team Toro Rosso, which now competes under the name Visa RB. At that 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 at Red Bull relied on Verstappen and not on him,” said Marko Small newspaper.

Will Sainz drive in a team with Verstappen in the future? © ANSA / FRANCK ROBICHON

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’s clear that ‘Checo’ is currently having his best season since he’s been with us.”