Andreas Seidl, the Executive Director of Sauber Formula 1, stated that Audi is not looking to attract drivers with financial incentives, despite rumors that Carlos Sainz is considering a significant offer. Audi is preparing to enter F1 for the first time by taking over the Sauber team in 2026. Although Audi’s name is not officially associated with the team until then, Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi confirmed that Audi is involved in driver market decisions. This became evident when Nico Hulkenberg signed a long-term contract to join Sauber from 2025, leaving Haas. Sainz, who will be leaving Ferrari at the end of 2024, has been identified as Audi’s main target, but Seidl denies that Audi’s financial power is being used to attract talent. Instead, Seidl emphasizes the importance of attracting people who want to be part of Audi’s entry into Formula 1 and who can contribute to Sauber’s transition to Audi. Although Seidl did not directly comment on the speculation involving Sainz, he mentioned the possibility of hiring a rookie driver now that the team has secured an experienced option in Hulkenberg.
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