Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon have been identified as potential targets for Audi, as the German outlet prepares to join F1.
As Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity, several manufacturers have expressed their interest in the series. Audi is among them, confirming their entry to the grid in 2026 – in collaboration with Sauber. The current agreement will see the Swiss-based team design the car in its base in Hinwil. Audi, meanwhile, will manufacture and produce power units.
There have been several questions about Audi’s entry into F1. Not only is their uncertainty about their preparedness to join the grid, but their influence on Sauber before 2026 is unclear. On paper, the German titan will only take over when the new regulations begin in two and a half years.
However, it is possible their influence within the team will begin sooner. One area where this could be pivotal is regarding driver selection – and reports already suggest this is an area of contention. Earlier this year, Zhou Guaynu signed a one-year contract extension with Alfa Romeo/Sauber. This ensures his continuation in F1 for 2024, and on the surface, appeared a relatively straightforward deal.
Disagreement in the Sauber camp
Reports from the paddock suggest otherwise, with information filtering about internal divisions within the team. There were some who wanted to replace Zhou Guanyu with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg. At the time this news emerged (a few months ago), it was hypothesised that Hulkenberg was a choice that Audi would approve of.
After all, they have made clear in previous F1 news conferences that signing a German driver is their preference. A driver with the experience and dependability of Hulkenberg would certainly be a good signing. According to new reports from it.motorsport, Sauber will aim to sign Hulkenberg for the 2025 season – one year before Audi’s full arrival. In many ways, this information validates the speculation from earlier in the summer.
This will give the 36-year-old an opportunity to acclimatise with the team before the new set of regulations. On paper, this is a move that could be very attractive. After all, this year has demonstrated the clear limitations at Haas – both financially and performance-wise.
Guenther Steiner is understood to have blocked Sauber/Alfa Romeo from signing Hulkenberg earlier this year.
Audi interested in Ocon
Another driver is also being linked to Audi – Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman is currently in the penultimate year of his Alpine contract and will be a free agent next season. In theory, Ocon will be a big player in next year’s F1 driver market.
Ocon has proven capable in the last few seasons, securing a race win and a handful of podiums. Although his ability to compete for a Championship is contested, he would be a fantastic pick-up for a new player like Audi. Per the latest reports, the 27-year-old is another priority signing for the German manufacturer.
It must be stressed that neither driver is guaranteed to make this shock move. A deal is especially unclear for Esteban Ocon, who currently competes at Alpine – who are themselves a works’ team. It is more than probable that Ocon will continue with the French outfit for 2025 and beyond.
Whilst Audi is a big name, they are still an unknown quantity in F1. If history teaches anything in Formula 1, it is that new entrants can take time to acclimatise and reach their potential. Therefore, a move to Sauber for 2025 (ahead of Audi’s takeover in 2026) is a tremendous risk.
Still, a driver like Nico Hulkenberg – competing at a team with a clear ceiling – could be tempted. Although all of these rumours are far from being realised, they are reminders of what next year’s “silly season” could have in store.
