P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Christian Horner has dismissed Dr Helmut Marko’s claims about Carlos Sainz as “pure speculation” and “improper” after the Red Bull advisor suggested the driver had received an unmatchable offer from Audi.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner dismissed Dr. Helmut Marko’s suggestions about the driver market as mere conjecture, stating it would be improper to reveal such information. Marko had claimed Carlos Sainz had a lucrative offer from Audi that Red Bull could not match. Sainz’s potential return to Red Bull is in the spotlight after being dropped by Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season in favor of Lewis Hamilton. Though rumors circulate about Sainz possibly replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull, many believe Audi is his probable long-term destination. Horner emphasized that disclosing offers from other teams, such as Audi’s alleged offer to Sainz, is unacceptable. The tense situation at Red Bull, with internal conflicts and allegations, has not affected the team’s on-track performance but has created turbulence. Stake F1’s team principal, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, echoed Horner’s stance on not commenting on speculation and maintaining confidentiality regarding discussions with drivers.
