Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has labelled the links between Carlos Sainz and the upcoming Audi project as ‘nonsense’, comparing the Spaniard to Nico Rosberg and insisting that he deserves a drive with a top team when his Ferrari contract expires at the end of the season.
Sainz has been left in a precarious position heading into the 2024 silly season, although a handful of impressive seasons in red overalls will aid his cause as the 29-year-old looks to secure a new drive and commence a new chapter in F1.
Most expected Ferrari to retain the services of the Spaniard, but the unfortunate circumstances of Lewis Hamilton’s surprise move from Mercedes have left Sainz as the third wheel. With nearly three-quarters of the grid out of contract at the end of the year, however, there are plenty of options for the two-time Grand Prix winner to explore.
One such option is the Audi project. Sainz has been strongly linked with the German manufacturer for the past 12 months ahead of their arrival in 2026, and with his father – legendary rally driver Carlos Sainz Sr – holding a strong long-term relationship with the brand, it is easy to make the connection.
Jordan, however, is not convinced. “This Audi thing is nonsense guys,” he said on the Formula For Success podcast. “Get a grip! Listen, we’ve had Toyota, we’ve had BMW, we’ve had Honda, we’ve had endless numbers of big manufacturers, it doesn’t happen like that, it takes years to build it up, I don’t care who’s there.
“It’s absolutely nonsense! Carlos [Sainz] if he’s going to have a big career in Formula 1 has to stick and hang out for Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull or somebody in that ilk and he’s good enough.
“We started a season not that long ago with Nico Rosberg and no one gave him a chance against Lewis Hamilton and he proved us all wrong. And I see a huge similarity between Carlos Sainz and Nico Rosberg. He’s lurking in the background, he’s got enormous talent, he looks brilliant, he acts brilliant, he behaves brilliant.
“I am telling you in my opinion he is ready-made because when the board members are sitting down and remember, it’s not just Toto [Wolff], it’s not just Zak Brown, it’s not just Christian Horner, there are other people at play who make decisions happen and I believe that Carlos Sainz has a huge potential and he will be in a top team.”
