Audi F1 planning for Carlos Sainz rejection as four-driver shortlist drawn up

Carlos Sainz is Audi's top driver target - but he isn't their only option

Audi have a four-man shortlist to turn to if Carlos Sainz fails to accept their offer.

The Spaniard has, for some time, been the top driver target of Audi's new Formula 1 project. The German carmaker is entering the sport for the first time in 2026, when the existing Sauber outfit will become the Audi works team.

Nico Hulkenberg has already been signed and Sainz is the other driver desired by Audi decision-makers. It is understood a lucrative contract offer has been on the table for the 29-year-old for some time.

But Sainz, who is certainly leaving Ferrari at the end of this year, has been stalling. The three-time F1 winner has grown accustomed to racing towards the front of the grid and seems to have been holding out for other potentially more competitive options.

Mercedes definitely need a new driver - it was Lewis Hamilton 's decision to leave for Ferrari which led to Sainz's need to find a new home. But the Silver Arrows look likely to turn to teenager starlet Andrea Kimi Antonelli if their attempts to woo Max Verstappen fail.

Red Bull remain confident of keeping hold of their start driver, though there has been plenty of speculation about the future of Sergio Perez. But a new contract, possibly sooner rather than later, is now the most likely outcome for the Mexican despite the intense scrutiny over his position.

Still, though, Sainz has yet to put pen to paper on the offer from Audi, which is believed to expire at the end of this month. If he fails to do so in that timeframe, the Germans looks set to turn their attentions elsewhere - and are not short of options.

Sauber already have Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu on the books, but neither of them appear likely to hold onto their seats. One is already definitely leaving after the Hulkenberg announcement while neither are top candidates for the other seat that Audi want Sainz to fill.

If the Spaniard says no, Swiss newspaper Blick reports four alternative options of interest to team bosses. Among them are French duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly and, if one of them were to join, Sainz could replace them at Alpine, who have been in discussions with the Spaniard's entourage.

Yuki Tsunoda is also reportedly of interest thanks to his strong performances for Red Bull's sister team RB. And former Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich, currently a reserve at Aston Martin, is the other name linked with the Audi project. Sauber already have last year's F2 title winner Theo Pourchaire and current standings leader Zane Maloney on the books.