P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It’s still two years before Audi arrives on the Formula 1 grid, yet it and Red Bull seem to be winding each other up over a potential driver signing
Audi has made its first driver announcement in Formula 1, joining the ongoing speculation in the silly season. The team is reportedly targeting Carlos Sainz for its second seat, with Nico Hulkenberg already confirmed. Sainz is rumored to have a significant offer from Audi to join Sauber in 2025 and be part of its Audi project from 2026. Despite interest from Audi, Sainz has also been linked to Red Bull as Lewis Hamilton replaces him at Ferrari in 2025. Red Bull’s Helmut Marko hinted at ongoing talks with Sainz, but Audi’s offer seems to have caused tension within the F1 community, with Sauber’s representative dismissing speculations. It remains to be seen if these discussions will lead to any immediate driver signings, as the F1 landscape continues to evolve with potential team movements and negotiations.
