Audi is doing everything it can to sign Carlos Sainz, but the three-time Grand Prix winner has yet to make a final decision on where he will drive in 2025.
Racing News 365 It is aware that Sainz remains Audi's first choice, and is doing everything in its power to bring the soon-to-be former Ferrari driver on board as quickly as possible.
It has been said that Audi has delivered several deadlines to the Spanish camp, but it remains to be seen whether Audi will put its foot down firmly with Sainz, but at the moment, it is understood that this is not the case.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has previously revealed that the Ingolstadt company has put a lucrative offer on the table for Sainz, with multiple sources suggesting this is already the case.
Audi offers Sainz financial security, both in the short and long term, and if he joins the project, he will be a brand ambassador for life.
Given the excellent relationship with Carlos Sainz Sr. following his Dakar Rally win earlier this year, this represents an attractive prospect for Audi.
Internally, Sainz is seen as the ideal figure for Audi's first Formula 1 team, and for this reason, he appears to be putting conversations with other drivers on hold.
Sainz is the biggest name and No. 1 priority that Audi is currently focusing on – and he is unlikely to put much pressure on the 29-year-old.
While Audi can offer Sainz a good financial package, on the sporting front it cannot offer many guarantees.
The current Stake F1 team is located in the midfield, and still needs significant work to become a top-level team, including hiring new staff and putting the team together, something both Adrian Newey and Pierre Wache of Red Bull have noted recently. Racing News 365 Interviews.
Max Verstappen and Mercedes
But the wrench in the works for Audi is Max Verstappen and whether he will leave Red Bull for Mercedes, if he doesn't like what he sees from the Red Bull Powertrains for 2026.
This is an area where Audi can and hopes to make a difference, with enhanced electrical systems and synthetic fuels that fit well with Audi's desires.
Sainz is certainly open to a move to Audi, but he is also in talks with Mercedes and monitoring what is happening at Red Bull.
Christian Horner insists Verstappen will remain at Red Bull in 2025, although he said nothing about 2026 when asked, with Toto Wolff continuing his charm offensive to lure the Dutchman to Brackley.
As long as that continues, Sainz will keep Audi waiting as long as possible before making a decision.
He won't have a competitive Stake car in 2025 if he moves on, and a potential move to Red Bull could see him win the 2025 World Championship.
Audi understands Sainz's strategy in a complex driver market and is prepared to ease the pressure before he finally decides where to drive.
