Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a representative of the Kick Sauber Team, has outlined the requirements for the team’s 2025 second driver and evaluated Carlos Sainz’s potential contribution to the group should he decide to join.
With the announcement that Nico Hulkenberg will join Kick Sauber next year, anticipation is building around who will fill the remaining seat as the team transitions into Audi’s works team in 2026. Amidst the driver market’s ever-changing landscape, Kick Sauber is in active discussions with several candidates, focusing on securing a driver committed to their long-term project.
Team principal Alunni Bravi emphasized the importance of a long-term vision for the team’s future. Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, he stated, “Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026, and we will be their factory team. This marks the beginning of a significant journey for the Audi Volkswagen Group. We want drivers who will embark on this long-term journey with us.”
One name that has surfaced prominently in these discussions is Carlos Sainz. The current Ferrari driver has been linked with both Williams and Kick Sauber, with the latter making no secret of their interest in bringing the Spaniard on board for 2025. “We are talking to many drivers, including Carlos Sainz,” Bravi confirmed. “But our focus is on finding a driver who will commit to us for the long term.”
Alunni Bravi highlighted the qualities they are seeking in their next driver. “Drivers like Carlos and Nico Hulkenberg bring a wealth of experience, raw speed, and motivation. There are other drivers on the market with similar characteristics. The level of competition in Formula 1 is incredibly high, and we aim to enhance our performance with a driver who can make a significant impact.”
While speculation swirls around Sainz’s future, Bravi remains respectful of all potential candidates. “I don’t want to focus solely on Carlos because it wouldn’t be fair to the other drivers we are considering. They all possess the speed, experience, and talent necessary to be part of our important project.”
As the decision deadline approaches, Kick Sauber is eager to finalize their driver lineup to begin preparations for next year’s car. The choice of driver is seen as a crucial element in their strategy to elevate the team’s performance and achieve long-term success with Audi.
In the competitive world of Formula 1, securing a driver with the right blend of experience, speed, and commitment could be the key differentiator for Kick Sauber as they gear up for a transformative phase in their racing journey. The Spanish Grand Prix will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment as the team looks to the future with a blend of optimism and strategic planning.
