Sauber Formula 1 CEO Andreas Seidl has said Audi is not aiming to entice drivers through financial means amid rumours Carlos Sainz is mulling a sizeable proposal.
Audi is gearing up to venture into F1 for the first time ever when it completes a full takeover of the Sauber-owned squad in time for the all-new technical rules in 2026.
The marque’s name will not be above the door until then, but Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi revealed it was involved in driver market decisions.
That was reflected in the announcement earlier this week that Nico Hulkenberg has penned a multi-term contract to move from Haas to Sauber from the 2025 season.
Sainz, who will leave his Ferrari at the end of 2024, has been touted as Audi’s top target, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko claiming a “lucrative” offer is on the table.
However, Seidl, who worked with Sainz whilst at McLaren from 2019 to 2020, has denied that it is using Audi’s financial might to attract names to the nascent operation.
Asked about Marko’s words, Seidl told Auto Motor und Sport: “Our approach is not to motivate drivers or other employees to come to us with huge amounts of money.
“We basically have the financial resources of a top team, but we really think about how we can use every franc or euro sensibly and efficiently.
“We want to attract people who want to be part of this journey and accompany Audi’s entry into Formula 1.”
Expanding upon the choice to hand Hulkenberg, 36, a long-term deal, Seidl explained that it wants to tie down drivers who can accelerate Sauber’s transition into Audi.
“It is clear that, given the current level of performance, it is absolutely important for us to have the best possible driver pairing at the start,” Seidl stated.
“It also makes sense that our future driver squad from the Audi works team will be in the cars as early as 2025 to support the project from the start.
“The drivers can also help us in terms of team motivation and development direction.
“Therefore, Nico is a top choice. There is no question that he is fast. With his experience, his teamwork and his great technical understanding, he brings what we need.”
Seidl remained reticent on the speculation surrounding Sainz, citing that Sauber-Audi could consider signing a rookie now that it has the experienced option it desired.
“It makes sense to have at least one driver with experience because we have to overcome many challenges at once,” he added.
“So it can be two experienced drivers or one with experience and a strong rookie.
