Sauber has officially announced their first Formula 1 (F1) driver for their upcoming Audi venture. Nico Hulkenberg will be joining the team in 2025, in preparation for the project’s launch in 2026. However, the team is still in search of a top-tier driver to partner with Hulkenberg and lead Audi’s entry into the F1 scene.
Ever since Carlos Sainz was released from Ferrari to make room for Lewis Hamilton in 2025, there have been reports and rumors linking Sainz to various teams. Initially, there were talks of a direct swap between Sainz and Hamilton at Mercedes. Later, Red Bull Racing emerged as a potential destination. Nevertheless, the strongest connections have been with Audi.
Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, confirmed that Audi has presented a highly lucrative offer to Sainz. Marko also admitted that Red Bull cannot match or surpass this offer. However, Sainz seems inclined to wait until after 2026 to commit to the German F1 project, wanting to assess their performance first.
During the F1 weekend in Miami, a representative from Sauber was questioned about their plans for the team’s second driver, following Hulkenberg’s confirmation. Alunni Bravi, speaking on behalf of the team, acknowledged that Carlos Sainz is a highly sought-after driver in the market. He praised Sainz’s maturity, skill in developing the car, and consistency in both qualifying and races. Bravi also commended Ferrari for having one of the best driver line-ups.
However, Bravi emphasized that the driver market is not solely dependent on Sauber. Many teams are in discussions with drivers, and there are numerous options available. With the signing of Hulkenberg, Sauber is not in a rush to make a decision. They are still in the early stages of their project.
When asked about Sauber’s ongoing talks with drivers, Bravi revealed that they are in discussions with Sainz, as well as their current drivers. He reiterated that the decision is not an easy one, as it will impact not only 2025 but also the future of the Audi works team. The duration of the contract and finding the right combination of drivers are crucial factors in making the decision.
Ultimately, Sauber is considering all options, including their current drivers, to find the best fit for their overall project.