Carlos Sainz has been Audi’s top choice for some time but their backup option Esteban Ocon has just become available and the Spaniard has lost the leverage of a shot at a Red Bull seat.
Audi maintains that they are not in a hurry to confirm the 2025 Sauber driver lineup, even though their preferred choice, Carlos Sainz, was overlooked for a more competitive position.
Sainz’s departure from Ferrari at the end of the year marks a significant setback. Nevertheless, he started the season impressively and swiftly established himself as a formidable contender for the coveted seats in the upcoming season.
Regrettably, those opportunities have now dwindled. Red Bull deliberated over the possibility of signing the Spaniard but ultimately decided to extend Sergio Perez’s contract. Meanwhile, Mercedes still has an opening, but it seems improbable that they will pursue Sainz, as they are currently prioritizing other potential candidates.
The 29-year-old is now left with limited choices that are positioned lower in the hierarchy. Audi has shown continuous interest and it is rumored that they have presented an offer which has been under consideration for a while. Additionally, Williams is also considering potential candidates to replace Logan Sargeant, and the individual in question is among the contenders.
If Sauber is unable to secure Sainz’s signature, Audi may consider turning to Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman’s potential move has been facilitated by Alpine’s announcement that he will depart the team at the conclusion of the current season.
The F1 driver market is experiencing rapid movement this year, as numerous significant decisions have already been made. However, Audi has already secured one of their drivers, Nico Hulkenberg, from Haas, and they do not feel the need to hastily make a decision regarding their other seat.
According to team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi, there is no specific deadline for this decision. By signing Nico Hulkenberg, who is a highly talented addition to our team and aligns perfectly with Audi’s long-term project in F1, we have taken a proactive approach in the market. Now, we have ample time to carefully evaluate and consider the very best options available to us.
Certainly, we must consider the market dynamics which are influenced not only by our own actions, but also by the decisions made by other teams. These decisions can potentially affect the choices made by other teams.
We are actively participating in this market and aim to secure the most talented drivers for the future. It is crucial to take the necessary time to make these decisions thoughtfully, without rushing the process, in order to position ourselves strongly for the future.
Hulkenberg joining Sauber indicates that either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu will be departing at the end of the season. It’s highly probable that both will be replaced, but there are still many opportunities at other teams where they could potentially secure a seat.
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