Despite Audi’s official entry into Formula 1 – in partnership with Sauber – in 2026, rumors about drivers are already intensifying. The latest ones point to Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) as targets.
The website Motorsport.com writes that Hülkenberg in particular seems to be a strong target for the German manufacturer. He is the only German driver currently in the field and, despite being in the modest Haas team, has shown solidity in his comeback after three seasons of absence. He is currently 36 years old. As for Ocon, according to ‘several insiders’ quoted by the mentioned source, he seems to be the preferred choice in a potential decision between him and Pierre Gasly – who is also being considered.
While it is certain that Audi will only officially enter in 2026, the idea may be to have the drivers for that year in the team as early as 2025 – which would help in the preparations. Sauber ends its partnership with Alfa Romeo after this season and is already working towards the Audi project – increasing its human resources with an apparent goal of reaching 800 people. At the same time, the German manufacturer is working on the power unit, with the help of driver Neel Jani.
