Carlos Sainz has been a hot topic in the driver’s market recently. Although he’s contracted to drive for Ferrari till the end of 2024, rumors about him jumping ship post the 2024 season have been stirring the pot, even more so since Charles Leclerc‘s new contract negotiations started. While Leclerc seems like he’s putting his faith in Ferrari for some more time, Sainz has made the impression that the Scuderia isn’t right for him, especially after how the past few races weekends have played out—Leclerc being given priority over him. And his recent night out has only stirred the pot further.

When speculations about Leclerc’s 2+3 year contract negotiations came up, Sainz supposedly asked for the same extension, but negotiations are still ongoing. Now, reports are stating he’s signed a pre-contract with Audi, the $76 billion-worth German manufacturer set to enter Formula 1 in 2026. But that association isn’t what’s got fans in overdrive. It’s his association with a $18.6 billion-worth F1 giant that’s been dominating the sport for the past couple of seasons. Still confused? It’s Red Bull.

Sainz started his F1 career as part of the Red Bull Junior Program when he joined it in 2010. In 2015, he made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) alongside Max Verstappen. While he did fairly well there and in subsequent years with Renault and McLaren, his time at Ferrari, since he joined in 2021, hasn’t been smooth sailing. As the summer break kicked off—amidst the silly season—he decided to attend a Red Bull Italy party, which sent fans into a frenzy. Could he have more than just Audi as an option post-2024?

Carlos Sainz for Sergio Perez’s seat and a “happier” life?

Sainz’s past association with Red Bull isn’t the only thing still tying him to the Austrian team. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr., has been a rally racer for the team, and he was the one who got his son a place in the Junior Program. Considering how up in the air his Ferrari contract is and Ferrari’s disinterest in offering him the same extension as Leclerc, his time at Maranello might be coming to an end. So when a Twitterati posted pictures of Sainz at the Red Bull party, fans started speculating, putting two and two together.

One user mentioned how Sainz is trying every option, considering his impending “sacking” from Ferrari.

Read More: Carlos Sainz’s Failures Whitewashed as Charles Leclerc’s Undeserved Virtue Gets Blamed

Another user pointed out how Ferrari would not be too pleased after seeing him at a Red Bull party, while someone else wrote how Leclerc wouldn’t even admit to drinking Red Bull, but Sainz had the gall to attend its party.

A few fans mentioned that he’s a Red Bull graduate himself, and attending the party could mean he might be considered for Perez’s seat at Red Bull or one at AlphaTauri.

One fan mentioned how Sainz has been dropping hints about his association with Red Bull, especially after a talk with Helmut Marko.

With the silly season already in full swing, and silly speculations going around, one user wrote how this made the silly season even sillier. 

At this point, everyone knows it’s Charles Leclerc Ferrari is putting its faith in, and that environment isn’t good for Sainz. So a few users pointed out how he’s just trying to free himself from Ferrari and make his life “happier”.

Could Carlos Sainz be affiliated with Red Bull one more post-2024?

Watch This Story: Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move Away from Ferrari?