Carlos Sainz's future is currently one of the major topics of discussion in Formula 1, and it is poised to significantly impact many of his current rivals on the grid.
Having lost his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton, unless he opts for a direct swap with the seven-time world champion and joins Mercedes, someone else will be left without a seat.
According to German outlet Bild, although teams like Red Bull are interested in Sainz, they may not be the most enthusiastic contenders at present.
Sergio Perez's contract expires at the end of 2024, but there are murmurs in the paddock suggesting he might have already secured a one-year extension.
This would complicate a move to Red Bull for him, while he remains one of the several drivers on Mercedes' shortlist for the upcoming season.
He could also be a consideration for Aston Martin if Fernando Alonso turns down a contract renewal with the British team.
However, the publication suggests that Audi – presently Stake F1 Team – holds the strongest interest in securing Carlos Sainz for the next season.
However, persuading the three-time race winner might prove challenging given their performance struggles thus far this year.
Remember, on March 24, Sainz clinched the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2024 as he ended Red Bull’s winning streak following Max Verstappen’s early exit with an engine fire.
Having missed the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to an appendix surgery two weeks ago, Sainz started on the front row alongside Red Bull’s icon and passed him on lap two and took control of the race when Verstappen finally retired with an engine failure.
Verstappen was on a nine-race winning streak after claiming victories in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the first two F1 races of the 2024 season.
The first two spots at the Australian GP belonged to Ferrari with Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc finishing behind the Spaniard, giving the first 1-2 result to Ferrari since 2022.