F1’s next big driver market announcement might be coming soon. Carlos Sainz had reportedly received a “lucrative” contract offer from Audi, which even reigning World Champions Red Bull couldn’t match. Moreover, Audi (currently Kick Sauber) ‘pressured’ the Ferrari driver with a deadline to respond to their offer. Surprisingly, Spanish F1 Journalist Antonio Lobato has claimed that Sainz has opted to reject their offer.

Audi is set to enter F1 in 2026 when the sweeping regulations changes will be implemented. Though they have nearly two years to finalize and develop their driving talent and the car, Nico Hulkenberg has already exited Haas to become their first driver. Carlos Sainz, in contrast, had three offers on his table, including those from frontrunners Red Bull and Mercedes.

While Christian Horner’s offer was “stingy” in nature, Toto Wolff’s contract offered one year less than Sainz wanted. Audi’s proposal was the only one that fit his wants, but without prior experience in F1, they couldn’t guarantee championship-winning performance right off the bat. So Sainz has reportedly turned them down by going past their deadline.

“Regarding the driver market… Sauber/Audi is going to announce soon who will accompany Hulkenberg from 2025,” Antonio Lobato wrote on X. “I don’t know (about) Carlos Sainz because he decided not to accept the offer and miss the deadline he had to respond. Accepting it would have given him peace of mind, in addition to a good financial offer, but he preferred to take the risk to see if he finds a place in a more competitive team,” he further added.

This fresh development changes a lot in the driver market. With Adrian Newey’s Red Bull exit in the backdrop, Max Verstappen‘s father Jos expects the team to come crashing down. As a result, Sainz could, in fact, become Red Bull’s lead driver, alongside Sergio Perez.

Carlos Sainz can replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Toto Wolff has offered a tailor-made, $150 million contract to Verstappen while not doing the same for Sainz. Hence, in theory, Red Bull becomes the Spaniard’s only option. Antonio Lobato has also highlighted how badly Mercedes wants the Dutchman and he remains the “key piece of this puzzle”.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has even declared that Verstappen will surely leave Red Bull soon. Though there are contrasting voices, like that of former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, who has rubbished the 3-time champion leaving Red Bull, the Adrian Newey drama indicates otherwise.

Despite Sainz being the ‘jobless’ driver from 2025 onwards, it is Verstappen’s move that has everybody’s attention. Who knew Hamilton’s Ferrari move and one Red Bull controversy could bring such tectonic shifts in the driver market?