The personnel on the Formula 1 grid in 2024 was identical to the line-up at last season’s finale in Abu Dhabi, but there have been a couple of changes to the identities of the teams.
Alfa Romeo’s spell on the grid ended with Sauber now called Stake F1 Team, while AlphaTauri are now the much less catchy Visa Cash App RB.
However, Audi will soon join the grid in 2026 and speaking on The Chequered Flag Podcast, journalist Rebecca Clancy believes they’re already in talks with one current driver about joining the project.
Audi already eyeing new line-up ahead of 2026 entry
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu currently occupy the two seats in the Sauber team, but neither are signed up beyond the end of 2024.
The race-winning Finn hasn’t been able to rediscover his best form with the team since his move from Mercedes in 2022.
Zhou has been a decent addition to the grid but nothing more and with two young drivers waiting in the wings in the team’s academy, his chances of staying on the grid seem to be dwindling.
Audi have committed to taking over 100% of the team before the start of the 2026 season.
As the newest works team on the grid, they’ll want to make an impression and that involves having the best drivers possible within the team.
Clancy believes that Audi are already talking to Ferrari star Carlos Sainz about potentially joining the project.
His father – Carlos Sainz Snr. – won the Dakar Rally with the manufacturer this year and given he’s already been replaced by Lewis Hamilton for 2025, he’s certainly on the lookout for a new team to continue his Formula 1 career with.
Sainz reportedly already talking to Audi
Talking about the driver market situation, Rebecca Clancy said: “I think it’s really interesting, I think there’s a potential for all 10 teams to have a different driver line-up next year.
“I don’t think Red Bull will stick with Perez, they are currently, apparently eyeing up [Oscar] Piastri.
“Contracts mean absolutely nothing in this sport, they are a complete waste of time unless you’re on the receiving end of the income I suppose.
“But Audi I find a really, really interesting story because they aren’t currently under the restrictions of the budget cap.
“They have a percentage stake so as it is in Sauber they will become owners with 100%, but they at the moment are throwing money at their F1 project.
“And we know that they’re currently talking to Carlos Sainz, we know that they want him.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they arrived on the grid in 2026 and were immediately on the podium.”
Carlos Sainz not the only option being considered by Audi
New team principal Andreas Seidl has some big decisions to make alongside current team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi.
They won’t want to rush into letting Bottas or Zhou go, but the longer they leave their decision, the more likely that their top targets commit their futures elsewhere.
Neither driver stands out as the face of a new works team joining the grid which is why it’s hard to see either retained for 2026, but they may be handed a one-year deal to tide the team over until Audi’s full takeover.
It makes sense that Audi are already talking to Sainz, but given his contract situation – or lack thereof – he’s likely in discussions with most of the grid.
Seidl is a big fan of Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg and he’s been described as being in ‘pole position’ for a role within the team.
Then there’s Alex Albon, who appears to be open to leaving Williams despite having a contract until the end of next season.
Both Alpine drivers might be looking for a way out given their struggles and are being considered by the German manufacturer too.
Audi will not be short of options but also have a tough task convincing any top-level driver to drop down to race for Sauber next year given their position on the grid.
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