Audi's Success 'Years Away' From Moment They Enter F1 Says Chandhok

Monday, 12 February 2024 at 02:00

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok warned Audi might not be the best option for Carlos Sainz as the success of the German team is "years away."

It is hard to imagine how Sainz felt once he found out there would be no space in Ferrari for him after the end of the upcoming season. He told the media it is certainly not the best feeling.

However, the Spanish driver now already has to focus on searching for a seat on a different team. In 2023, he proved he should be regarded as one of the best drivers on the grid.

Consequently, many teams will be interested in offering him a seat, but not every single one of these teams will be able to offer the Spanish driver what Ferrari offered him. Karun Chandhok said Sky F1 show:

"Ultimately Carlos has been booted out of one of the top three cars on the grid. A car that gave him victory at the Singapore Grand Prix. That’s bad news."

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One of the teams that Sainz has been connected with is Audi. But there are a few problems with that. Audi enters F1 in 2026, and there is one year in between which he would have to spend driving for Stake.

Stake will most likely not be competitive as it is in a transition period. Even when Audi comes, experts like Eddie Jordan say it will take time before the team can challenge for the title. Chandhok continued:

"Audi? They are not going to arrive and be at the front of the grid. It’s years away. Everyone is connecting him to Audi because of the connection with his dad."

The Spaniard's father, Carlos Sainz Sr., has a great relationship with Audi. This year, he won the Dakar Rally with the manufacturer. Chandhok added he could imagine the Sainz Jr. instead opting for teams like Aston Martin or Mercedes.

"The reality is, I can see him going to Aston Martin. I can see him on the phone to Toto. He wants to be winning now, he’s in his 30s, he can’t wait for years for Audi to get there."