“I assume that’s going to happen” - Carlos Sainz tipped for next F1 team move

Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has tipped Carlos Sainz to join Sauber - soon-to-be Audi - after losing his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton.

Sainz’s time with Ferrari comes to an end at the end of 2024 after Hamilton’s bombshell decision to join the Scuderia next year alongside Charles Leclerc.

This means that the Spaniard’s future is uncertain, although he’s been linked with a host of teams.

One recurring link has been Sauber, who will be taken over by German manufacturer Audi in 2026.

Sainz has been mooted as their number one candidate to lead the team, particularly given his father - Carlos Sainz Snr’s - links to the outfit.

The two-time F1 race winner has also been linked with Mercedes and Red Bull.

Speaking during F1’s coverage of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Davidson explained why he’s convinced Sainz will make the move to Hinwil.

“I assume that’s going to happen,” he said. “I just think that’s a very good place for an experienced, professional racer like he is to end up, to help nurture a new team.

“It’s still Sauber, of course, but there’ll be new people within that team that want to make their own mark and moment in time in Formula 1 and I think he will be a brilliant driver to help guide and measure the aspirations – perhaps slight overoptimism as well – in some moments.

“I think he’s an excellent driver. And we see it at Ferrari as well, when sometimes the strategy is wavering a little bit, going off-piste slightly, he’s always there to rein it back in and keep people’s feet on the ground.

“I see him as that kind of stalwart, a driver that speaks with authority. I think that will go a long way if he turns up at Audi and I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest.”

Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win in 2023, winning the Singapore Grand Prix.

He was also set to out-score teammate Leclerc before struggling for form in the final run of races.

Davidson hailed Sainz as a great “professional” and a “very wise driver”.

“Ferrari were the [only] other team than Red Bull to win a race last year and Carlos was that driver to make it happen,” he added.

“Carlos is such a professional. That’s how I see him. He’s always there, a solid driver. I think, in mixed conditions, he’s very, very good.

“Such a wise head that he has and he showcased that brilliantly in Singapore last year, playing the old DRS game with his good old buddy Lando Norris behind them, using him basically to protect himself with the DRS.

“How clever is that? So he’s a very wise driver.

“I’m sure he’s got a lot of fans out there that are gutted to see him going, but when Lewis Hamilton comes knocking at the door it’s hard not to open it.”