Carlos Sainz Sr Confirms Discussions with Son Amid Audi F1 Rumors

Carlos Sainz Sr, father of Ferrari star Carlos Sainz Jr, has confirmed engaging in discussions with his son amidst persistent rumors of a potential move to Audi as the German manufacturer gears up for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026.

Sainz Jr, who enjoyed a standout season in 2023 with a notable victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, has been linked to Audi, particularly with Andreas Seidl, his former team principal at McLaren, now serving as Sauber’s chief executive to facilitate Audi’s F1 entry.

As Sainz’s current Ferrari contract is set to expire at the end of 2024, reports suggest negotiations for a two-year extension are ongoing. However, the team appears to be keeping its options open, potentially awaiting developments with other drivers, such as Lando Norris.

The Sainz family’s ties to Audi strengthened when Sainz Sr, a two-time World Rally Champion, secured his fourth Dakar Rally victory driving an Audi. Speaking optimistically about Audi’s F1 preparations, he acknowledged discussing the potential involvement of his son in the project.

Sainz Sr stated, “Audi, I think, is a guarantee. I know very well how seriously they take every project and I know very well what the German mentality in the world of motoring entails. I think it will only be a matter of time [before they succeed in F1].”

Highlighting the respect he holds for Audi, Sainz Sr explained that it’s logical for him and his son to exchange views on what the Audi team could be in the future. Emphasizing the competitive spirit within the family, he expressed the importance of leading by example and setting the right standards during Sainz Jr’s racing career.

He stated, “In the family, I like to lead by example. With my son and my daughters, I have tried to be consistent. And above all – if you talk about the competitive gene – with Carlos I have tried to transmit to him how I understood the world of competition, racing, what was right, what was wrong.”

Sainz Sr stressed the significance of setting a proper example, ensuring that if he advises his son to follow certain principles, he adheres to them himself, fostering a strong foundation for Sainz Jr’s rise in the racing world.

“When it’s your turn to do what you have to do and your son, in this case, sees that you don’t do it, it’s just not right.

“I’ve tried to set an example and say: If I tell you that you have to do this, I have to do it myself.’”