Sainz: Audi track record in motorsport ‘a very important asset’

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Carlos Sainz admits that the Volkswagen group’s success in motorsport – be it with VW, Porsche or Audi – is an important "asset" to consider, but it’s not the only factor involved in his decision regarding his F1 future.

Ferrari has opted to part ways with Sainz for 2024 to make way for Lewis Hamilton, which leaves the talented Spaniard as a free agent on F1’s drivers’ market.

The three-time Grand Prix winner has garnered strong interest from Red Bull and Mercedes, but Audi is rumored to be pulling out the stops to convince Sainz to join its F1 project by signing with Sauber for 2025.

Sainz admits that his father, Carlos Sainz Sr, who is contracted to Audi’s rally raid team, is a strong advocate for the Ingolstadt firm, while the manufacturer’s history in motorsport is one of unparalleled success on the racetrack.

“Oh, for sure, my Dad you will always hear him say good things about Audi, the project and how confident he is that Audi will make it to the top in Formula 1,” Sainz told the media in Miami on Thursday when questioned on his F1 prospects for 2025.

“And if you follow the Volkswagen projects, every time they’ve been involved in motorsports – it doesn’t matter if it’s with Porsche, with Audi, all over the Volkswagen group – they’ve managed to win.

“And I think that’s a very important asset, that’s something very important to consider. But in my decision and everything there’s a lot more factors involved.

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“I really hope Audi in the future can fight for the win, because it would just mean one more car fighting for wins and a massive brand like they are.

“I wish them the best, without having decided if that’s a possibility for me or not.”

It’s been rumored that Audi – which has already contracted Nico Hulkenberg for next season – has tabled a significant offer for Sainz’s services.

However, a deadline has reportedly been imposed on the outgoing Ferrari charger, forcing him to make a call on the German manufacturer’s bid sooner rather than later.

But the 29-year-old believes that time is still on his side, although he admits that he hasn’t received any guarantees from Audi about its commitment to him.

“The only assurance that I have, is from myself that I want to take the right decision,” he explained.

“That’s why it’s also taking a bit longer and that’s why I want to see all the options available before taking any fundamental decision.

“I think Nico joining Audi makes complete sense for them and for Nico, and I think he’s a great driver that I’ve managed to see his talent.

“And I think he’s a great signing for them and I congratulate them because he’s been doing great at Haas.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.