Less than a week ago, Carlos Sainz (Sr.) was the winner of the Dakar 2024, taking Audi to the top of the legendary race in a bold and innovative project, being the first hybrid car to achieve such triumph. The manufacturer will now enter Formula 1 in 2026 and the veteran Spanish rally and off-road driver recommends to his son Carlos Sainz (Jr.) to consider this option.
In statements to the website Motor.es, Sainz father said: ‘I believe that Audi is a guarantee, since I know very well how seriously they take each project. I also know very well what the German mentality implies in the world of motorsport, with its advantages and certain disadvantages. But we have to respect the Volkswagen group and Audi’.
Audi will enter F1 in association with Sauber, acquiring 75 percent of the structure. Sainz (Jr.) has been mentioned as one of the possible candidates. He is currently linked to Ferrari until the end of this year, with no solid clues about his future yet.
Sainz (Sr.) believes that, despite the challenge that F1 represents, Audi will succeed: ‘We all know that F1 is a somewhat special world. But I believe it will only be a matter of time until they succeed. I don’t have a crystal ball, but if Audi is in F1, it has all the respect from me. And I think they will put all their efforts into making it a good project’.
And the 61-year-old driver assured that he talks to his son about the four rings manufacturer: ‘Of course, being in the Audi family, when I am at Carlos’ house it is logical that we talk and exchange opinions about what the Audi team can be in the future’.
