Sauber officially announced their first Formula 1 (F1) driver for their upcoming venture with Audi. Nico Hulkenberg will join the team in 2025, in preparation for the project launch in 2026. However, the team is still in search of a high-level driver to partner with Hulkenberg and lead Audi’s entry into the F1 scene.
Since Carlos Sainz was released by 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 possible destination. However, the strongest connections have been with Audi.
Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, confirmed that Audi 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 evaluate its performance first.
During the F1 weekend in Miami, a Sauber representative was asked 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, his ability to develop the car, and his consistency in both qualifying and races. Bravi also praised Ferrari for having one of the best driver pairings.
However, Bravi emphasized that the driver market does not solely depend 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 the project.
When asked about the ongoing conversations of Sauber with the drivers, Bravi revealed that they are in discussions with Sainz, as well as with their current drivers. He reiterated that the decision is not easy, as it will affect not only 2025, but also the future of the Audi 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.
