F1 pundit says Carlos Sainz to Williams and Esteban Ocon to Haas are possible given Audi's struggles to attract talent

Renowned F1 expert Joe Saward has recently opened up on the future of Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon. He said none of the drivers would choose Audi as their next destination, as Sainz might reportedly move to Williams, whereas Ocon to Haas.

For now, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon are free agents as their contracts with their respective teams expire at the end of this season. Sainz's future with Ferrari was hit with a roadblock after the Prancing Horse signed Lewis Hamilton for 2025 and beyond.

Red Bull closed their door on the Spaniard as they re-signed Sergio Perez. On the other hand, Mercedes is most likely to rely on their prodigy Kimi Antonelli. As the Spanish driver requires a seat, Williams seems to be the only logical option, believes Saward.

"So, Carlos could join Williams in 2025 using Mercedes engines and the chances are that these will be pretty close to the front in 2026," wrote Saward in his Green Notebook. "Williams is offering Carlos a two-plus-two deal, which would let him leave after 2026 if a better offer came along.

"Besides Carlos Sainz, Saward expects Ocon to ditch Audi and sign for Haas. "Esteban Ocon is already gone and will sign for Haas, as he appears to understand that Audi is not a great choice," the F1 pundit said.

After five years with Alpine, formerly Renault, Esteban Ocon decided to cut off his ties with the French team. Since the top teams do not have a place for the Frenchman in 2025, Saward's report means he can replace outgoing Nico Hulkenberg on the American team.

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Why is Audi not a great choice for Carlos Sainz and Co.?

While the prospect of Audi, a globally renowned powerhouse entering the sport in 2026 may seem brilliant. In reality, it is not. Despite the German brand's enormous reputation and resources, one cannot expect them to join the sport and start delivering. Why?

F1 Grand Prix of Canada - Final Practice MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 08: Zhou Guanyu of China driving the (24) Kick Sauber C44 Ferrari crashes during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 08, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

The German manufacturers do not have ample F1 expertise, and they are set to rebrand a team that has been struggling over the last few years. As of 2023, Sauber, the team Audi is going to rebrand, finished their season in P9.

Their performance did not improve in 2024 as they are languishing at the bottom with no points in their tally after nine races. Therefore, Joe Saward meant it for Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon when he wrote, "To be honest, you would need to be drinking Audi-manufactured Kool-Aid to think that the German firm is the better option in 2025."