Audi has four options if Carlos Sainz decides to go to Williams: Reports

It is being reported that Audi has four options if Carlos Sainz decides to go to Williams F1 for the 2025 season. The Spanish driver has been the prime target for the German manufacturer to lead their F1 project on the track ever since it was announced that he would be leaving Ferrari at the end of this year.

The 29-year-old is arguably the most in-demand driver in the market right now, given the amount of experience and the level of performance he brings to a team. However, it has been reported that Sainz has left a long-term offer from Audi on the back burner in favor of potential opportunities at Red Bull and Mercedes.

But ever since both top teams closed the door on Sainz, it was heavily reported that he might join Williams F1. As per Motorsport-Total, if the Spanish driver does join the British team, Audi has four options on their list.

It is presumed that incumbent Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Liam Lawson are all on the German team's radar. All four drivers are currently without a drive for the 2025 season with Lawson waiting on RB's decision on Daniel Ricciardo's future.

Alpine drivers Ocon and Gasly are also in contention given their race-winning pedigree in the sport with the former already announcing his departure from the French team.

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Carlos Sainz provides an update on his F1 future

Carlos Sainz stated that he wanted to decide on his F1 future as soon as possible as it was taking his attention away from the on-track action.

In his pre-race press conference, the Ferrari driver spoke about the delay in the news regarding his future and said:

"The latest is that a decision will be taken very soon. I don't want to wait any longer. I think it's getting to a point where it's obviously taking space out of my head for quite a few weeks now and months and I think it's obviously time to make a decision..."

He further added:

"I'm still not sure one way or another. It's still something that I'm discussing with my team and brainstorming and obviously, I need a couple of days back at home and before the Spanish Grand Prix. I've been at home, but you don't have your head in the future, you have your head in the Spanish Grand Prix.

"It's been a very hectic couple of weeks after Canada for me. So I haven't had time to really sit down and take a decision. And this is what I will target in the next few weeks."

Sainz has been dropped by Ferrari in favor of Lewis Hamilton, who will join the team from Mercedes on a multi-year deal from 2025.