Carlos Sainz’s father confirms Audi F1 has contacted his son to potentially strike a deal to persuade him out of Ferrari

Carlos Sainz Jr. began his Formula 1 career with Toro Rosso in 2015, alongside former teammate Max Verstappen. Since then, through the course of his career, the Spaniard has moved teams multiple times.

Currently driving for Ferrari, reports have tied Sainz to a possible move to Audi in 2026, with some speculation of a contract extension at Ferrari as well. Recently, the Ferrari driver’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr., recently confirmed the existence of an offer from Audi for 2026.

Audi F1 approach Carlos Sainz Jr.

By the end of the 2023 season, Sainz (Jr.) would be halfway through his two-year deal with Ferrari, valid till 2025. This would make him a free agent for 2026, with no news of a contract extension yet.

His father and hero, Carlos Sainz Sr., recently confirmed contact from Audi, who offered Sainz Jr. a seat for 2026!

🚨| Carlos Sainz Sr confirms that Audi have reached out regarding Carlos Sainz, and speaks on Carlos’ relationship with Andreas Seidl.

🗣️ “Of course there is contact, but nothing at the moment.”

“But of course, Audi are moving. They are working hard, and have the ambition to…

— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) August 29, 2023

Speaking on this, he said, “Of course there is contact but nothing [concrete] at the moment,” he said. “I think for us, it is a moment to wait and see.

“But of course, Audi, they are moving. They are working hard. They have the ambition to become really good, really quickly so they are moving very, very strongly.”

While it is unclear as to whether the move is going to happen yet, Sainz has claimed that he is focused on extending his stint with Ferrari, despite this Audi offer for 2026.

Carlos Sainz’s father talks on his relationship with Andreas Seidl

In 2017, Sainz moved to Renault from Toro Rosso, where he stayed until 2018. However, in 2019, he made the move to Mclaren after being replaced at Renault by Daniel Ricciardo.

At Mclaren, Sainz was paired up with Lando Norris and the two were under the management of Andreas Seidl, who was the team principal of Mclaren at the time. Seidl has recently been appointed as CEO of Sauber, and will form a significant part of the Audi F1 campaign.

Recently, Carlos Sainz Sr. spoke on his son’s relationship with his former team principal, saying, “I think the fact that Andreas was working with Carlos for a couple of years at McLaren, they know each other very well and had a really very successful time there.”

He continues, “I think Andrea is one of the guys who really appreciates Carlos more and the quality he’s able to do with the speed and the feedback, so I think he knows him very well.”

On the Audi rumous, Sainz Sr. says, “First of all I think it’s really good that Audi definitely made the step [into Formula 1] and I think it’s going to be a good place in the future that’s for sure.”

Do you think Sainz should move to Audi? Or can he find his glory with Ferrari? Comment what you think down below!