Silly season starts early: 'Sainz could make striking transfer'

Swiss newspaper Blick came up with a striking rumour on Saturday night: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz could drive for the new Audi Formula 1 team from 2026.

The Spaniard currently drives alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, who generally manages to get more speed out of his Ferrari. The Monegasque is the Maranello-based team's star driver and is the man to lead the prancing horse to world titles. Sainz Jr. probably expected a little more from his move to the iconic car marque: after more than two seasons at Ferrari, only one race victory ranks on his record.

'Sainz to Audi?'

But the 28-year-old Sainz would not have to worry about a lack of interest. Sauber CEO Andrea Seidl has put the F1 driver at the top of his list as a possible driver for Audi, if Swiss Sauber sees the car brand become the new name-bearer of the current Alfa Romeo Formula One team. With the incoming German money, Sauber is trying to expand its organisation. The team wants to compete for victories within three years from 2026, when Audi's name will adorn its bolides. It would be a striking move by the Ferrari driver to leave the Italian racing stable for Audi, but sometimes the grass is indeed greener on the other side.