With Ferrari signing Lewis Hamilton in a multi-year agreement to partner Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz is now left with no contract in F1 after the end of the 2024 season. However, there have been rumors going around in the Formula world that the Spaniard’s father, Carlos Sainz Senior, has been speaking to his son about his future with Audi.

Known as the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in its current avatar, the Switzerland-based team is set to be overtaken by Audi when new regulations hit Formula 1 in 2026. The German automaker will become a full-fledged works team and will hope to compete with the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes right out of the box. And Carlos Sainz could be the perfect driver for Audi, with Sainz Senior’s long history with the manufacturer.

Carlos Sainz tipped to join the Stake F1 team after Hamilton’s shocking move to Ferrari

Sainz Junior has been tipped to sign a deal with the Kick Sauber to secure his future in Formula 1 from 2026 onwards. F1 Insider, Matt Gallagher is also of the opinion that Carlos Sainz will most likely sign with Stake F1, according to a recent tweet from Sky Sports F1.

Here’s what Matt said about Sainz, “I think it’s a little bit harsh on him. There’s not many drivers I think that could have ousted him out of Ferrari. But Lewis Hamilton is kind of an argument that you kind of can’t win. Because he’s the statistical greatest of all time. For me, I think Carlos Sainz will probably sign to Stake for 2025, to then get ready for the rebrand for Audi in 2026 as his father has ties there as well.”

He further added, “So that’s probably where I can see him going now. But I am sure he’s still hurting a little bit because it was clear that he loves Ferrari, and he was performing to a level that was comparable to Charles Leclerc last year. So I do feel sorry for him.”

But is Stake F1 the only realistic option available to Sainz Junior?

Here are some other options available to Sainz

With Frederic Vasseur having past connections with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari president John Elkann being an admirer of the British driver, The Maranello squad’s decision to sign Hamilton is justified. However, Carlos Sainz will surely be looking to secure his future in Formula 1. Here are a few options the Spaniard might explore.

READ MORE: F1 Rumors: Surprising Clause in Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari Contract; Renewal Depend on Races Won in 2024

One potential destination for Sainz is Mercedes, going for a direct swap between drivers. The move would allow Sainz to transition smoothly from one top team to another, showcasing his skills against George Russell. The early races of 2024 will be crucial in determining Mercedes’ performance under the guidance of technical director James Allison.

Red Bull might also turn out to be a viable option for Sainz, reuniting him with his former teammate Max Verstappen. However, the prospect of Daniel Ricciardo possibly replacing Checo in 2025 could spell trouble for the Spaniard. Aston Martin could also be a potential option with the rumors of Fernando Alonso joining Mercedes circling in the F1 world.

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