2026 seems to be approaching quickly for Audi. The German manufacturer will join the F1 in two years, for the new engine and chassis regulations through the Stake F1 Team. The brand with four rings has won all the categories of motorsports in which it has competed: Formula E, WEC, and Rally.<\/p>\n
Audi also wants to win the F1 championship. Currently, the main drivers are Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, however, their contracts will end at the end of this year and neither of them is assured of keeping their seat when 12 other drivers are also out of contract in 2024.<\/p>\n
In 2023, Alpha Romeo was in the bottom ranks of the pack. The team finished ninth in the constructor standings with 16 points, four points ahead of the last-placed Haas. Bottas scored ten points, and Zhou scored the remaining six.<\/p>\n
The Finn is approaching his 35th birthday and no longer seems to have the level he had at Mercedes. The Chinese driver will start his third season in F1 and his place seems to be secured solely thanks to his sponsors. Canal+ had claimed that Zhou could have lost his seat in favor of Th\u00e9o Pourchaire, due to a delayed payment from his sponsors.<\/p>\n
It is in this context that Audi begins to prospect for its future line-up in view of its arrival in the top category of motorsport. Nico H\u00fclkenberg has stated that he would be very interested in the idea of joining a manufacturer from his country. The rumor of Esteban Ocon has also surfaced some time ago.<\/p>\n
However, the longstanding track for Audi is named Carlos Sainz. The Ferrari driver will also be out of contract in 2024. Even though he has repeatedly stated his desire to continue with the red team, his father has confirmed that discussions between the number 55 driver and the German manufacturer exist.<\/p>\n
Audi is always a guarantee of success, after all, I know how seriously they take every project. We all know that Formula 1 is a special world, and I have a lot of respect for Audi, explains Carlos Sainz Sr.<\/p>\n
(I) I know very well what the famous German mentality means in practice, both the good sides and the not-so-good sides, but we must just have a lot of respect for the Volkswagen group with Audi being part of it, continues the rally driver.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before they succeed in F1. I don’t have a crystal ball, but at the moment Audi decides to enter F1, they already inspire a lot of respect in me. Of course, it makes sense for Carlos to talk about what Audi can achieve, especially since I am a member of the Audi family,” concludes the latest Dakar winner.<\/p>\n