Audi’s decision to acquire Sauber completely for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026 has provided some clarity to the project and its operations. However, there is still one major uncertainty – the driver lineup. It is highly unlikely that the current Sauber duo of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be retained beyond 2025.
Bottas has expressed his enthusiasm about being a part of the Audi project after moving from Mercedes to join Sauber in 2022. Zhou, on the other hand, is a hardworking and popular member of the team, with Audi valuing the Chinese market. However, in his third season of F1, he has yet to show significant progress beyond being a solid midfield driver.
While neither Bottas nor Zhou are to blame for Sauber’s underwhelming performance in 2023 and the slow start in 2024, Audi is looking for drivers with experience, speed, and marketability. The driver market is currently in flux, with several free agents available who could be a good fit for the Audi works team. However, the competition for their services will be fierce.
Drivers like Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Daniel Ricciardo, and Bottas are all out of contract for 2025 and/or 2026. Alex Albon and Lance Stroll, who have achieved podium finishes, are also on the list. While most of these drivers will be exploring their options, their availability varies.
For example, if Alonso wants to continue racing, he will likely hold out for a more established team like Mercedes or Red Bull. If those opportunities don’t arise, he may prefer staying with his current team, Aston Martin, over joining Sauber and Audi.
On the other hand, a driver like Nico Hulkenberg, who has spent most of his career in the midfield, may be more open to a move back to Sauber if it comes with a guaranteed Audi contract for 2026. Hulkenberg is already on Audi’s radar, as Sauber and Audi F1 team CEO Andreas Seidl is a fan and has pursued him before.
Another target for Seidl is Ferrari exile Carlos Sainz. He has been on Audi’s radar for some time, and now that he knows he will be leaving Ferrari at the end of 2024, he becomes a more realistic option. However, there will be other teams interested in signing a proven race winner like Sainz, so it may depend on his level of interest in joining Audi.
The same goes for Albon and Ocon, who have shown their capabilities but are currently stuck in underperforming teams. They would be better long-term options than Hulkenberg. However, the availability of seats at Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin for 2025 and/or 2026 complicates the situation.
While Sauber’s current drivers may not be at the top of Audi’s wish list, Audi’s increased commitment to the team can help address this. Firstly, it shows the seriousness with which Audi is approaching the project, alleviating any concerns drivers may have had about the team’s stability.
Secondly, Audi’s plans to accelerate preparations for 2026 mean more investment, recruitment, and improvements both on and off the track. If these changes result in a more competitive team and tangible progress, it will be an attractive proposition for prospective drivers.
Audi’s complete takeover of Sauber doesn’t automatically make it the top choice for free agents in 2025 and 2026. However, it could improve its position and make it a more appealing option for realistic targets. Whether Audi is looking for experience or a hungry mid-career driver, the prospect of being part of a team that is fully committed and making improvements is enticing.
In conclusion, Audi’s full takeover of Sauber and the promise of accelerated progress are crucial for attracting top-tier drivers. While the current lineup may not be the ideal choice, Audi’s enhanced commitment and plans for the future make it a more appealing option.