Audi will officially join Formula 1 in 2026, but their influence on the grid could be present well before then. Sauber (officially “Stake F1 Team”) will evaluate several drivers over the next twelve months.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are some of the many drivers on expiring contracts. Both will be fighting for their F1 future this year, especially given the multitude of free agents set to be available.
In recent months, Sauber’s talks with drivers have become known to the media. Nico Hulkenberg was a key target in 2023, although his existing contract with Haas prevented a move from happening.
However, the German will not be restricted in his movement this year. With Audi’s arrival only a few years away, their preferences for 2026 will be taken into consideration.
After all, this year presents a golden opportunity to negotiate with drivers. The same is unlikely to happen in 2025, with most of the grid likely to have signed agreements by this time.
Giving drivers a season to acclimatise with the team before a big regulation change also seems wise. With this in mind, as mentioned already, there is plenty of incentive to engage in the transfer market from the beginning.
It is now well-established that Nico Hulkenberg will be an obvious target. The 36-year-old has shown great speed since returning to F1 and fits the experienced profile Audi is looking for.
At this stage, it’s no secret that Audi prefers a German driver.
However, there are other drivers who are understood to be on the radar. Esteban Ocon is reported as being one of them, with the Frenchman’s contract also expiring in 2024.
As a relatively young, though still experienced and quick driver, Ocon is a valuable asset in the market. His acquisition seems far more unlikely than someone like Nico Hulkenberg – although the transfer market could fall Sauber’s way.
Ocon is generally expected to continue with Alpine for the foreseeable future, having established himself at Team Enstone.
Sauber (soon to be Audi) is unlikely to sign top-tier talent immediately – since they are largely an unknown quantity. However, they will still try to position themselves optimally for 2026.
As it stands, they will be a risky move for more established drivers. Those in the midfield, however, might be tempted by the potential of a manufacturer project.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, meanwhile, must prove they can become part of Audi’s long-term aspirations in Formula 1.
