Audi has spoken in regards to the profile of drivers it’s going to goal for its F1 entry in 2026, outlining the hope of signing two German drivers to the roster.
Audi and Sauber have introduced they may be part of forces in Components 1 for the 2026 season – the German model offering the engines while the Swiss-based squad manufactures and designs the automotive itself.
There may be nonetheless a while earlier than Audi formally joins the grid as an entry, though their affect in Sauber’s F1 operations can already be seen.
A flurry of market activity- triggered by Fred Vasseur’s exit – resulted in Andreas Seidl taking the position of CEO at Sauber forward of schedule.
While this transfer was initially deliberate for 2026 (when Seidl’s contract with McLaren expired), Audi’s supreme candidate is already on the helm at Sauber.
It’s also understood that Audi might purchase shares in Sauber F1 as quickly as subsequent 12 months, which might additional spotlight their management over the staff’s general course.
With this in thoughts, their most well-liked driver lineup should be thought of, as Volkswagen’s CEO Herbert Diess defined earlier this 12 months:
“Components 1 hasn’t been profitable within the US till now, however clearly, now it is coming.
“In fact, it is all the time the case {that a} driver from the correct nation will be very profitable in that nation, and Components 1 turns into very talked-about.
Scroll to Proceed
“I assume that we’ll attempt to make use of German drivers in our two groups, for positive.”
There isn’t a assure, it should be harassed, that Audi will efficiently orchestrate this desired end result, on condition that a number of years lie forward earlier than their full F1 entry.
Nonetheless, subsequent 12 months will function an fascinating case research of how considerably they may affect Sauber’s decision-making.
Valtteri Bottas is comparatively safe in his place throughout the staff, owing to his efficiency and multi-year contract, however Zhou Guanyu solely has a one-year deal.
Zhou carried out fairly effectively in his first Components 1 season, demonstrating stable tempo and committing considerably fewer errors than most rookies in recent times.
So in some methods, it appears unfair to recommend that Zhou’s place is threatened.
However, with Alfa Romeo’s affect within the staff quickly declining, Zhou should take a step ahead subsequent season to make sure the staff gives him a brand new contract.
Mick Schumacher is not at all a shoo-in candidate to affix Sauber in 2024, however he’ll virtually definitely be energetic out there.
Having signed a contract with Mercedes as a reserve driver, the 23-year-old can examine any alternatives or openings for a full-time position within the paddock.
As Schumacher proved in 2023, until you carry out at an exceptionally excessive stage, your place in Components 1 is all the time in danger – particularly within the midfield.
Contemplating this inevitable curiosity in a Sauber seat – which Audi engines will finally energy – it will likely be intriguing to watch which drivers Sauber and Audi negotiate with all through 2023.
