‘The decision is approaching’ – Alunni Bravi reflects on Sainz’s prospects for Kick Sauber drive in 2025

Kick Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi has set out what the team are looking for in their second driver for 2025, as well as assessing what Carlos Sainz could bring to the squad should he opt to join them.

Having already announced that Nico Hulkenberg will switch to the outfit next year – ahead of their transition into being Audi’s works team in 2026 – Kick Sauber remain in discussions with several drivers over the remaining vacancy.

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Amid ongoing developments in the driver market, Alunni Bravi says that the team are looking for a candidate who is keen to be a part of their project for the long-term.

“I think that, in terms of drivers line-up, we have been quite clear,” the Italian said on Friday ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. “Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026, we will be the factory team of Audi, but this is the start of a long journey to Formula 1, so the first step of a long and important project for the Audi Volkswagen Group.

“And of course we are speaking with a lot of drivers, including Carlos Sainz. That is of course the most important for the people, especially here in Spain. But we want drivers that have a long commitment with us, we want drivers that will start together with us this long journey.

“This is one of the elements that we are discussing with every driver, and of course now the decision is approaching, because we want all to know exactly who will be together with us next year, in the next few seasons, because we also need to start working on next year’s car and drivers is an important element.

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“But I think the starting point for us is this – we want a driver that will be committed with us for the long-term.”

Much speculation has centred around Sainz’s next destination, with both Williams and Kick Sauber making no secret of their interest in having the Spaniard race for them in 2025.

In terms of what the current Ferrari driver could offer the squad should they acquire his services, Alunni Bravi responded: “I think drivers like Carlos, like Nico Hulkenberg that we have signed, can bring many, many things – experience, raw speed, motivation.

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“But there are other drivers also on the market with this characteristic. I think that the level of Formula 1 is really high and we are targeting to improve our performance, also thanks to the driver that is always the most important performance differentiator.

“I don’t want to speak all about Carlos because this would be not respectful for all the other drivers that we are discussing. They have the same characteristics – speed, experience, and the talent to be part of an important project.”