F1 driver buzz: Sainz to Audi, Perez wants more from Red Bull?

The driver market frenzy in Formula 1 continues unabated in the brief period between the Imola and Monaco grands prix.

Corriere dello Sport from Italy has reported that Carlos Sainz has potentially agreed to join the Audi-backed Sauber team starting from 2025, overlooking proposals from Alpine and Williams.

Meanwhile, over at Red Bull, Sergio Perez has been presented with a one-year contract extension for 2025, as per Fox Mexico. The 34-year-old driver has indicated a preference for a minimum two-year extension.

Yuki Tsunoda is also a contender for a possible short-term agreement at Red Bull Racing next year, which might be followed by a switch to Aston Martin with Honda in 2026.

"Sergio didn't do as well in Imola as he did previously," remarked Red Bull consultant Dr Helmut Marko in his newest column for Speed Week.

"However, Yuki Tsunoda's performance at the Racing Bulls' home race in Imola was impressive," continued Marko. "This was part of a series of excellent performances from Yuki, with the exception of China."

"He makes almost no mistakes anymore, he is focused, he works well with the engineers. It took some time, but now he is putting his talent and speed to good use," Marko elaborated.

Carlos Sainz, the soon-to-be former Ferrari driver, had been hypothetically considered for a move to Red Bull, and a one-year agreement at Mercedes was potentially in the discussion.

"Carlos has earned his place in Formula 1," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. "He has a wealth of experience."

"But I think we need to take our time with the decision and see how the situation develops in the summer and autumn."

Rumours suggest that Mercedes is leaning towards placing rookie Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell next year, possibly following the 17-year-old Italian's Formula 1 debut substituting for Logan Sargeant at Williams later this season.

"I think we should let him (Antonelli) do his job in Formula 2, let him show what he can do, and we shouldn't worry too much about what could or should be," Wolff mentioned when queried about his Italian protégé.

Antonelli is expected to secure his FIA super license by Monza, by which time he will have turned the mandatory minimum age of 18.

Following that, he might have a few races under lesser pressure in 2024 to adapt to Formula 1 with Williams before moving to the Mercedes factory team.

Valtteri Bottas, meanwhile, is anticipated to be Logan Sargeant's more permanent successor at Williams starting in 2025.