Carlos Sainz is reportedly the top target for Audi, as the company prepares for their 2026 entry into Formula 1, according to Swiss newspaper Blick.
“The first serious rumour emerges from Spain,” the newspaper reported.
“Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is said to be at the top of Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl’s list.”
The move would not be surprising given that Sainz’s father drives for Audi at the Dakar Rally.
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However, Sainz Jr vehemently denied that he would leave Ferrari for another team in Formula 1, stating that he intends to remain at the Italian outfit for the foreseeable future.
“My intention is to stay at Ferrari for many years,” Sainz told Estrella Galicia.
“I don’t even understand how they are talking about what can happen in 2026 when I still don’t have a contract for 2025.
“It annoys me that invented and uncorroborated rumours like this come out.”
Sainz’s commitment to Ferrari doesn’t come without expectations from the team, as the Spaniard expressed his concerns about their ability to compete with the current season’s car.
“We have been surprised by how quick Red Bull are and how other teams like Aston Martin have improved,” Sainz said.
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“It is true that, with the advantage Red Bull have right now, we are going to have to improve a lot if we want to be in the fight for victory.
“At the moment it means that something needs to happen in the races to them and also Aston Martin – we just need to focus on what we have.”
Ferrari has had a particularly challenging start to the season, finding themselves in fourth place in the Constructors’ rankings due to two DNFs from Charles Leclerc and a penalty that stripped Sainz of points in Australia.