PADDOCK INSIDER: Audi's first move, Mercedes’ options and Verstappen's future – the state of play across the F1 driver market

The 2025 driver market was high on the agenda in the Miami paddock on Thursday, the F1 fraternity meeting for the first time since news broke that veteran Nico Hulkenberg had signed for Sauber in 2025 – which will become Audi the following year – and that F1 genius designer Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull early next year.

Audi make statement with their first move

It’s no secret that Sauber/Audi’s primary target is three-time race winner Carlos Sainz, the Spaniard on the look-out for a seat for 2025 after losing his to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.