2 Teams Shortlisted for Carlos Sainz’s Future as Audi Project Gets Discouraged for the Short Term

Despite being drive-less for the upcoming season, we can all agree Carlos Sainz has done everything he can to justify his talents to the world. He has put all doubts to bed regarding his abilities behind an F1 single-seater, proved his worth, and surely wiped out any suggestions of being underrated. In fact, we believe the Spaniard is now spoiled with choices as he is deciding his future in the sport. However, with multiple openings available thanks to the expiring contracts of the majority of the grid, former Ferrari engineer Ernest Knoors has narrowed it down to two.

Soon after the Ferrari announcement revealed that Sainz’s future lies elsewhere, he’s been linked with a move to Sauber, soon-to-be Audi. His father’s relationship with the German automaker’s endurance racing wing also added fuel to the fire. However, Knoors believes the Audi project will be too raw in 2026 to fulfill Sainz’s championship-winning ambitions.

He revealed this opinion while speaking to Motorsport but also gave him two suggestions. The former Ferrari engineer narrowed it down to Aston Martin and Mercedes. He believes the two teams with at least one seat available in both teams will be the best bet for the Spaniard looking to fight for a championship in the future.

“I know the Audi project a little bit. They are very ambitious, but it is a project that really takes time. Ultimately, if you look at Aston Martin, I think there is a lot of potential there. There is a drive behind it to become world champion. Carlos is someone who wants to become world champion, he is not a second rider. He just wants the chance to become champion,” Knoors spoke about Sainz. “Then it’s a bit between Mercedes and Aston Martin. The team that has a good track record against the team and the organization that probably has the most ambition and drive and resources to get there (the world title),” he added. (Translated via Google)

You can add this suggestion to the list of many Sainz has received in the past few months. We believe they will keep increasing until he makes his choice. That’s right, now the ball’s in Sainz’s court, especially after his Australian GP win. We can prove it with the comments of one of Sauber’s representatives.

Sauber representative openly confesses the team’s desire to sign Carlos Sainz

The scales are now tipping in Sainz’s favor. His three wins in the past three years have showcased he is a race winner. If it wasn’t for Red Bull‘s dominance, he could easily be a regular race winner. So as he weighs his options, the future Audi team did not shy away from making their desires to sign him.

A representative of the team, Alessandro Alunni Bravi said, “It is clear that Carlos is an important driver and we have to look for our best driver lineup for 2025-2026, taking into account that our future is Audi. Sainz is an important driver, like others. And we want the best team.”

An important driver indeed. The Spaniard has proved his worth; he has his options in front of him. Now we just wait and see who he opts for. Let’s hope, for his sake, that Sainz chooses a team competitive enough to help him get more race wins and even a championship.

Read More: Carlos Sainz’s Mercedes Prospects Strengthen Following Lengthy Meeting with Spaniard’s Camp