Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz is angry about claims he could abandon the Italian squad, as he remains committed to the team that delivered his first Grand Prix victory.
Audi is due to enter Formula 1 in 2026, as the German manufacturer takes over Alfa Romeo’s team when the sport enters its new era of engine regulations.
With the team preparing for its first season in the sport, Alfa Romeo is on a recruitment drive and has appointed Andreas Seidl as its CEO.
With Valtteri Bottas offering experience and clearly interested in remaining, Alfa Romeo would only need to find one driver, should they wish to replace Zhou Guanyu.
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Seidl is believed to have drawn up a list of potential targets for the team’s drivers, with Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher mentioned as possible hires.
However, the main driver that Seidl would like to add to his team, according to Swiss publication Blick, is Sainz.
Sainz is currently signed with Ferrari until the end of the 2025 season, so he could be picked up by another team if a strong offer is made to entice him away from the Italian outfit.
“I don’t understand why people are talking about what could happen in 2026 when I still don’t have a contract for 2025,” Sainz told Spanish outlet Marca.
“It angers me when uncorroborated and invented rumours come out.
“My intention is to stay at Ferrari for many years,” he said categorically.
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Sainz is currently in P5 in the Drivers’ Standings, outperforming his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has suffered two DNFs in three races.
The Spaniard’s strong start in 2023 is crucial under the new leadership of team principal Frederick Vasseur, who has refused to select a number one driver.
Sainz will, therefore, be determined to show Vasseur he has the capability and commitment to lead the team.