Carlos Sainz’s Audi Move “Going to Happen”, Claims F1 Insider

If there’s one thing all Formula 1 drivers want, probably more than anything else, is stability. However, with almost the entire grid out of contract at the end of this season, there is sure to be a huge re-shuffle within the paddock. And while the ‘silly season’ usually starts in the summer when the shuffling in the driver market starts this year, it has begun early, with Lewis Hamilton deciding to switch to Ferrari in 2025. And with that move, Carlos Sainz (who’ll be replaced by Hamilton) doesn’t have the stability that he enjoyed for the past 3 seasons. He now has to find a race seat for 2025 and quickly. F1 insider, Anthony Davidson, believes that the rumored Audi move for Sainz is more than likely to happen.

When Ferrari gave a contract extension to Charles Leclerc beyond 2024, it was expected that the Spaniard’s new deal would follow soon after. It was believed that Ferrari didn’t want to give Sainz a long-term contract while he supposedly wanted a two plus one, so a 3-year deal. However, we only found out later that Ferrari was already negotiating a deal with Lewis Hamilton. Once the announcement was made public, the F1 community started speculating where Sainz might go next. One of the suggestions hinted at the Stake F1 team, which is set to become the Audi Works team in 2026.

Carlos Sainz will help nurture Audi in Formula 1 says Anthony Davidson

Sainz’s ability to think quickly on his feet when he’s under pressure makes him a desirable candidate for any team in F1. Last year’s Singapore Grand Prix is the perfect example of this ability. He kept Lando Norris close enough to keep giving him the DRS boost so that he could fend off the attacks from the charging Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

His father, Carlos Sainz Sr, a legendary figure in rally racing, recently won the Dakar Rally with Audi, a team he has a long-standing relationship with. And that’s where the rumors are coming from. Sainz Sr. recently admitted that he’s been talking to his son about the Audi Formula 1 project which will take shape in 2026. And while Sainz Jr will surely have other good opportunities as well, he will probably go to Sauber (now the Stake F1 team). During the afternoon session on Day 1 of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Anthony Davidson spoke about the future of Sainz.

“I assume that’s going to happen,” said Davidson during commentary. “That’s a very good place for an experienced, professional racer like he [Carlos Sainz] is to end up helping nurture a new team. I think he’ll be a brilliant driver to help guide and measure the aspirations. We see it at Ferrari as well. When the strategy’s wavering, going off-piece, he’s always there to reign it back in and keep people’s feet on the ground. I see him as a stalwart of a driver that speaks with authority.”

READ MORE: F1 News: Carlos Sainz Publicly Bashes F1’s Sprint Rules: “Did Not Make Any Sense”

With his last season for Ferrari about to start in a week, Sainz is determined to make the most out of it without thinking much about the future.

Sainz will try to gun for the championship in his last ride with Ferrari

When Sainz spoke for the first time after the Hamilton to Ferrari thing became news, he was rather calm and composed. He stated that he was not disappointed by the decision, as he had anticipated potential changes within the team. In an interview with Sky Italia, Sainz reassured fans of his commitment to giving his best for Ferrari in the upcoming season.

At 29 years old, Sainz described himself as feeling “younger and more motivated than ever,” as he faced this transitionary period. “…the moment I put on my helmet in Bahrain and go out on the track, the only feeling I’ll have is the will to go harder and harder, also aiming to win the championship,” he added.

Where do you think Carlos Sainz is most likely to find a drive for 2025? Share your insights in the comments down below.