Is this Sainz's rejection? 'I wish them all the best'

Carlos Sainz was quick to tell the media on Thursday that the rumours were false: he had not ignored a contract offer from Audi, Sainz told the media. Later in the day, the Spaniard - who will lose his seat at Ferrari after this season - still elaborated on the German marque's advances. Although he remained silent on whether Audi is still an option for him.

Should Sainz choose Audi at any point in his career, he will be joining a manufacturer that his father Carlos Sr. won the Dakar Rally with. "My Dad you will always hear him say good things about Audi, the project and how confident he is that Audi will make it to the top in Formula 1," said the at the moment still Ferrari driver.

"And if you follow the Volkswagen projects, every time they’ve been involved in motorsports – it doesn’t matter if it’s with Porsche, with Audi, all over the Volkswagen group – they’ve managed to win. And I think that’s a very important asset, that’s something very important to consider."

Sainz hopes Audi will have success in F1

But for Sainz, there are more things that factor into his decision for a future contract. He does say, "I really hope Audi in the future can fight for the win, because it would just mean one more car fighting for wins and a massive brand like they are. I wish them the best, without having decided if that’s a possibility for me or not."