Carlos Sainz sr. has advice for son: 'Think about this F1 team!'

Carlos Sainz senior sprayed champagne recently: for the fourth time in his long career, the Spanish driver managed to win the Dakar Rally last week. For the first time, the 61-year-old did so with Audi, the German brand that will soon turn their complete focus to Formula 1. From 2026, the Stake F1 Team will be Audi's factory team. Which drivers will race for Audi in F1 is still unknown. Perhaps Carlos Sainz junior?

The young Sainz has an expiring contract with Ferrari, and the Italian team are reportedly looking to extend the Spaniard's one-season commitment. According to reports in Italian and Spanish media, Sainz Junior is said to be vying for a longer contract. In the background, Audi are said to be interested in bringing in Sainz as a figurehead for their Formula 1 project.

Is Sainz Junior an option for Audi?

Carlos Sainz, senior, was asked during the closing press conference at Dakar if he had ever talked to his son about a move to Audi F1. The answer was frank: yes. "Of course, with Carlos at home and me in the Audi family, then it is natural that we talk and think about what Audi can do in the future," stated the elder Carlos Sainz.

According to the former world rally driving champion, Audi will start an exciting project in Formula 1, and all drivers - not just his son - should "have a lot of respect" for Audi. "Audi is a certainty. I know very well how seriously they take every project. And I am sure they are implementing their German mentality in the world of motorsport, with all its pros and cons. We have to respect the Volkswagen Group and Audi," Sainz senior believes.