Carlos Sainz’s manager has expressed that he expects “movement” in the Formula 1 driver market in the “upcoming weeks” amid rumours linking his client with Audi.
Sainz is available as a free agent for 2025 amid Ferrari’s decision not to renew his contract in favour of signing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes.
The Spaniard has been touted as a possible option at Mercedes and Red Bull, but the top rumour regarding his name has been a move to Audi’s nascent F1 operation.
Audi will venture into F1 for the first time ever once all-new technical regulations are introduced in 2026 as it completes a full takeover of the current Sauber-run team.
However, with Sauber still to score a point in the opening five rounds of the campaign, it is rumoured that Sainz is holding out to see how events materialise elsewhere.
Indeed, Sport1, who broke the news that Nico Hulkenberg will switch to Sauber next term, has written that Sainz is hesitant as Audi has set a deadline for next month.
Carlos Onoro has clarified that there will not be news from the Sainz camp ahead of the next round, but he expects pieces of the puzzle to slot into place soon enough.
Asked whether there would be developments prior to Miami, Onoro told the F1 Nation Podcast: “No, no, no! You can sleep well between China and Miami don’t worry!”
“Let’s say, it’s an interesting period of time at the moment.
“The driver market has been all over the place lately and I think we will see some movements in the upcoming weeks but for the moment, the juggling continues.
“There will be no big news at least coming from us, we’re still playing the game so we’ll see.”
Sport1’s report on the situation goes on to state that Audi could look at other options to partner Hulkenberg, with the incumbent Alpine pairing heading the alternatives.
Both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly have entered the final season of their respective deals and could seek an exit from Alpine amid the side’s disastrous start to 2024.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed last weekend that the German marque has presented a “lucrative” proposal to Sainz – one which the Austrian outfit can’t equal.
Marko did comment that Red Bull is in discussions with Sainz over a 2025 seat, but Sergio Perez is the outstanding favourite to retain his place due to his strong start.
Meanwhile, the vacant opening at Mercedes appears could be between Sainz and Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 17, who conducted his maiden F1 test outing last week.
Sainz’s Spanish compatriot Fernando Alonso took his name out of the running for the German outfit’s drive with his choice to pen a multi-term renewal with Aston Martin.
