Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has snubbed Helmut Marko’s claim that the squad understands Audi has put a “lucrative” offer on the table to Carlos Sainz.
Ferrari’s decision to acquire Lewis Hamilton for next season has resigned Sainz to search for an alternative destination to ensure that he remains on the grid in 2025.
The Spaniard has been touted to take the seat Hamilton is vacating at Mercedes, while Marko has also revealed that Red Bull has held discussions with Sainz’s camp.
But Marko also divulged that Audi, which will complete a takeover of the Sauber team, has placed an enticing proposal to Sainz to spearhead its nascent F1 operation.
However, Horner, who has maintained that the incumbent Sergio Perez is the favourite to retain his seat, has denied that Red Bull is acquainted with Audi’s F1 dealings.
Asked whether Marko’s comments suggested that Red Bull was not willing to match the marque’s financial terms, Horner retorted: “Firstly, we’re not aware of any offer.
“It’s not been disclosed to us what Audi may or may not have offered to Carlos, and it would be inappropriate to comment on that.
“As I’m sure if we made an offer it wouldn’t be disclosed to another team.
“Carlos is on the open market for next year. He’s a hot prospect, which no doubt many teams will be showing great interest in. I think there are several that probably are.”
Horner reiterated that “no numbers have been disclosed” when it was issued to him that Marko appeared to have a grasp regarding what Audi had presented to Sainz.
Marko had expressed dissatisfaction with Audi earlier this month as he alleged that the German manufacturer was angling to instigate movement in the driver market.
Rumours have rumbled that Audi is insistent on receiving an answer from Sainz sooner rather than later, with Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg having been signed for one seat.
Speaking with Autosport about the unravelling line-up for next season, Marko said: The driver market has exploded in April, and normally no one talks [about it] in April.
“It is ridiculous, but we won’t jump into this game ourselves. We will wait and see, and only then make the best choice later on.
“I don’t know what is going on. I have heard that Audi is making pressure, but it is a little bit strange for a newcomer to make pressure on the driver market.”
