SUMMARY
- More than half of the F1 grid will be out of a driver contract by the end of 2023 season.
- VISA Cash App RB driver Yuki Tsunoda is shortlisted for team Audi for 2025.
By the end of the 2024 season, more than half the grid would be out of contract. The jaw-dropping news from Lewis Hamilton regarding his move to Ferrari shook the whole transfer market. This is creating a lot of noise among the teams and drivers in deciding their future at Formula 1.
While some drivers are sticking to the current team, we can also spot a couple of top drivers looking for a change in the team. Given the uncertainty surrounding drivers’ team choices, several teams are delaying their decisions on who will fill the empty seats.
Yuki Tsunoda in Audi’s list if Carlos Sainz decides to join someone else
Carlos Sainz Jr. is a key racer who will be missed at the Ferrari paddock due to his contract ending. While his departure is saddening for the fans, his seat will be taken over by the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who aspires to win another championship with the Prancing Horse.
Sainz Jr. has not given a decision regarding his final team choice for the 2025 season. However, Audi has shown interest in both Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg. The German driver was approached by Sauber in 2023. The latest addition to Audi’s shortlist is Yuki Tsunoda.
🚨 | Yuki Tsunoda is understood to be on Audi’s shortlist if Carlos Sainz goes elsewhere.
Helmut Marko has admitted Tsunoda is “being noticed on the driver market.”https://t.co/kDyDXkA46c
— formularacers (@formularacers_) April 11, 2024
Currently racing for Red Bull’s second team VISA CashApp RB. The Japanese driver is paired with Daniel Ricciardo and over time has proved to be better than the Australian. Yuki Tsunoda has had a fantastic start to the 2024 season, he has already bagged 7 points which is way more than Ricciardo who still stands at 0 after the Japanese GP.
It is only natural for a talented driver like Tsunoda to move to a different team if he cannot see growth with the current team. While Audi has already shortlisted Carlos and Hulkenberg, the Spanish driver’s decision is not finalized. Audi should approach young and talented drivers like Tsunoda as a back for Sainz.