Carlos Sainz Advised Against Audi Move for 2026: F1 Insider’s Insightful Warning

In a recent turn of events, Martin Brundle, a Sky F1 presenter, advised Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz against joining Audi for the 2026 F1 season. Brundle’s guidance points Sainz toward other prominent teams, a strategic suggestion aligning with the upcoming shifts in the driver market.

Key Takeaways:

• Martin Brundle, a Sky F1 pundit, strongly advises Carlos Sainz to avoid a potential move to Audi when they take over Sauber Stake F1 in 2026, urging him to consider alternatives like Mercedes, Aston Martin, or a return to Red Bull.
• Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has already started reshaping the F1 driver market, placing Carlos Sainz in a favorable position with possible links to teams like Mercedes and Red Bull.
• While rumors of Sainz negotiating with Audi for 2026 are circulating, Brundle highlights concerns about Audi’s readiness, suggesting Sainz prioritize established teams like Mercedes, Aston Martin, or Red Bull.

As the F1 world turns its eyes toward the future, Carlos Sainz finds himself at a significant crossroads in his career. Following the announcement of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari in the next season, the driver market has been in a whirlwind of speculation and predictions. Sainz, a key player in this ever-evolving chess game, has been linked to several top-tier teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull.

Last season, Sainz stood out as the only non-Red Bull driver to clinch a race victory, catapulting him to a prime position in the market. With Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes remaining open post-2024 and the uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull, Sainz’s options seem vast and varied.

However, amidst this backdrop of possibilities, rumors have surfaced about potential talks between Sainz and Audi, which plans to enter the F1 scene under the new regulations in 2026. The speculation is fueled by Sainz’s familial ties to Audi, particularly following his father’s success in the Dakar Rally with the team. Yet, Martin Brundle, an esteemed figure in the F1 community and a former driver, casts a shadow of doubt over this prospective move.

Brundle’s advice to Sainz is clear and straightforward. Speaking on Sky F1, Brundle emphasized the crucial nature of the decision at hand for the 29-year-old driver: “He’s 29 years old, he can’t afford to go and tread water for a team that really is saying it’s 2027 before we’re ready to go properly.” He continued, “No, no, no, I don’t think that is his next step at all. He’s got to be looking at Mercedes or an Aston [Martin] or going back to Red Bull.”

Furthermore, Brundle advised Sainz to focus on his natural driving talent in his remaining time with Ferrari. “I think in a way he can be a free spirit and just let his natural talents flow now,” Brundle added, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s skill and intuition in such high-stakes situations.

Sainz’s response to Brundle’s advice and the subsequent decisions he makes will undeniably have a profound impact on his career and the dynamics of the F1 driver market. As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Sainz, watching to see which path he chooses in this pivotal moment of his racing journey.