F1 News: Sauber issue update on Carlos Sainz interest

Sauber has clarified the F1 news speculation about their interest in Carlos Sainz.

Over recent months, Carlos Sainz has featured heavily across F1 news outlets. Aside from his victory in Melbourne, the Spaniard is also prominently mentioned across the F1 media for his role in the driver market. Sauber, Mercedes and Red Bull are all teams known to have an interest in Carlos Sainz. However, this ‘good problem’ still presents the 29-year-old with tough decisions.

There has been growing speculation that Audi, who owns Sauber F1, could run out of patience with Carlos Sainz. Audi’s interest in the Ferrari driver is no secret, and their admiration for the three-time winner well-established. Moreover, it is known that a contract is already on the table for the man born in Madrid.

Still, Sainz has been reluctant to commit himself to a team for 2025. This is understandable, considering that – as mentioned above – the two most successful teams since 2010 are considering signing him.

Red Bull is a very attractive option, especially in the short term, since they are almost guaranteed to fight for the Championship again next year. Though some might doubt their new power unit division, the Reigning Champions are obviously a more established outfit than Sauber.

Mercedes, meanwhile, are more than capable of re-asserting themselves in 2026. A fresh set of regulations presents them with an opportunity to climb the field.

Sauber reiterate that Carlos Sainz is a top option

Despite the presence of these exciting options, there have been fears that waiting for Red Bull or Mercedes to make a decision could compromise Sainz’s chances with Sauber. However, team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi has largely downplayed this possibility:

“Everyone knows that there is a top driver available on the market – it is Carlos Sainz,” es.motorsport.com quotes him as saying,

“I think everyone would like to have Carlos in their time. He is one of the best drivers. He is extremely mature, a good driver to develop the car, to lead the team in development.

“But at the same time, very consistent, very strong both in qualifying and in the race.  And I think Ferrari has one of the best pairs of drivers.”

It makes sense that Sauber will wait until Sainz makes a decision. Ultimately, as a team yet so score points in 2024, they are not in a position to call the shots. Even with Audi’s arrival as an engine supplier in 2026, joining them represents a huge risk.

Therefore, Carlos Sainz can rest assured that—for now—multiple avenues are open for 2025.