Stake F1 continues to negotiate behind the scenes to form its 2025 duo, which will certainly be the one that Audi will field for its debut in 2026, when the name change is official. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the team’s representative, wants to be cautious about all the rumors surrounding his team.
“I think it’s just speculation.” Alunni Bravi replied. “Any driver would talk to a number of teams to understand the situation and find out if there is a common vision for the project, especially if they are in the process of transitioning to 2026 like we are.”
“But we focus on our drivers and we respect them. It would not be appropriate to reveal the details of the discussions that are currently taking place. Nobody knows what other teams are offering drivers or what they are talking about. Sometimes you don’t don’t want to play in someone else’s game.”
Carlos Sainz is still a candidate for the Audi F1 seat, despite rumors that he has missed the deadline imposed by Sauber. On the other hand, he admits that his decision depends in particular on what Max Verstappen does, since he would like to get a seat at Red Bull if the Dutchman leaves for Mercedes F1.
“I trust the reactions of the teams I could potentially drive for next year, but unfortunately it’s not just my decision” added Sainz. “I just have to wait for them to clarify the situation and see what happens in the future. For now I’m talking to everyone and it would be stupid of me not to.”
Nico Hülkenberg already has a secure drive at Stake in 2025 then at Audi F1 in 2026, and he would be delighted to team up again with Sainz: “I have good memories of Carlos. He is a pleasant and fast man. And a hard worker.”
“A lot has happened since 2018, I think he has also developed a lot, just like me. I would have no worries or qualms if he were my teammate. But that applies to everyone who could come.”
Asked about the difficult 2025 season that awaits him at Stake, Hülkenberg plays with it to put things into perspective, and concludes positively on his situation: “Unfortunately I haven’t received an offer from Red Bull. It’s always a question of alternatives.”
