Helmut Marko assures that Red Bull remains unfazed by Audi’s enticing offer to Carlos Sainz.
Sainz, currently driving for Ferrari, faces displacement by Lewis Hamilton in 2025, making him a focal point in the Formula 1 driver market.
With his contract ending, potential landing spots include Red Bull, Mercedes, or Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in the following year.
Red Bull could pair Sainz with Max Verstappen by parting ways with Sergio Perez. Marko stated, “Sainz is currently in great shape… I think he has a very great three-year offer from Audi.”
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“However, Red Bull refuses to succumb to external pressures, emphasizing, “We won’t let things like that put us under pressure.”
Marko acknowledges Sainz’s evolution since his early days at Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen, noting his current exceptional form.
Despite Sainz’s recent victories in races Red Bull missed out on, including one shortly after an appendix surgery in Australia, the team considers reinstating him, possibly displacing Perez, who has demonstrated commendable performance this season.
Audi’s interest in Sainz complicates the driver market, as they plan to assert dominance upon rebranding Sauber in 2026.
Sainz’s connection with Audi, stemming from his father’s success in the Dakar Rally with the manufacturer, adds intrigue to his potential move.
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Nonetheless, transitioning to Sauber in 2025 offers no guarantee of competitiveness compared to Ferrari’s current standing.
In essence, while Audi’s offer looms large, Red Bull remains steadfast in its approach, prioritizing strategic decision-making over reactionary measures.
The impending shift in team dynamics and driver lineups underscores the intricate dance of negotiations and ambitions within Formula 1’s ever-evolving ecosystem.