Audi signs former Le Mans-winning driver Neel Jani to their F1 team

Neel Jani has served as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull in Formula 1.

Audi signs former Le Mans-winning driver Neel Jani to their F1 team

Neel Jani, (image via Autosport)

Audi will be entering Formula 1 as a full-works entry in 2026. The German automaker will acquire a 75% stake in Sauber, currently branded Alfa Romeo, by 2026. The auto giant has already begun its massive investment and is working on its power unit for 2026. Now, Audi has announced its development driver for its F1 program, with roots tracing back to Red Bull.

Neel Jani is a Swiss racing driver previously the reserve and test driver for Red Bull in F1. The 39-year-old switched to sportscar racing and achieved great success, including winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche. The Swiss driver has also had stints in Formula E and GP2. Jani will again be back in an F1 simulator, this time for Audi’s F1 project.

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The German automaker announced Neel as its simulator driver for developing its power unit for 2026. Audi has big ambitions in F1 and needs an experienced driver like Jani for this role. However, there is no confirmation whether the 39-year-old could finally make his F1 debut when the carmaker enters the sport.

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Neel Jani stated, “I am delighted to accompany Audi on their way into Formula 1. It is both an honor and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage.”

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Audi’s F1 preparations in full swing with Neel Jani

Audi's F1 announcement livery
Audi’s F1 announcement livery (credits: Autosports)

This announcement can be seen as a statement of intent by the German giant. The role of a simulator driver is crucial in F1 as it can make or break a team’s development path. As such, the signing of Neel Jani will bolster Audi’s efforts to make its mark at the pinnacle of motorsport. Oliver Hoffman, a member of the board of Audi AG, stated that Jani was chosen for his technical knowledge and experience.

The German automaker has already acquired a minority stake in Sauber Motorsport. McLaren’s Andreas Seidl was poached by Audi to lead Sauber as its CEO before the team became the Audi Works team in 2026. The carmaker is putting the pieces of the puzzle slowly before it truly begins its journey at the pinnacle of motorsport by introducing the new power unit regulations.

Thus, Audi has solidified its preparations for its 2026 F1 entry. Neel Jani can be the perfect fit for the carmaker’s power unit development and provide crucial feedback that could help bolster its efforts. Although the team is still far from finalizing its final driver line-up, Jani has opened the door for a seat as a rather unlikely option.

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