Audi to bring on development driver in late 2023 to help with F1 power unit
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Audi plan to bring in a development driver in 2023 (Image Credit: Audi)
Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026, with Sauber becoming their ‘works team’. Preparations for their entry are already underway, and the goals are set. The German manufacturers are one of the biggest sports car brands in the world – and they want to win races by 2028. In line with their ambitions, they, and Sauber will undergo many changes in the next few years.
As reported by AMuS, they are set to increase the number of staff working on the engine, and their facility in Neuberg will also be upgraded. Under the new leadership of Andreas Seidl, their strategic partners Sauber will also have to step up their recruitment to compete with the big teams. Another one of these upgrades is the addition of a development driver, late in 2023.
However, they are not yet decided on their drivers for 2026 – the market can change considerably in this timeframe. The development driver will help in the development of their engine. They are reported to be interested in Mick Schumacher – or a German driver at least. But it’s not the be-all and end-all. On this, Adam Baker, CEO of Audi’s racing leg, said: “It would be attractive, of course, but for us the performance of the drivers has priority.” as per Planet F1.
Baker felt that any discussions with drivers for their 2026 lineup are ‘too far away’. But they will, of course, bring in a development driver.“[We will] bring a development driver on board in the third quarter [of 2023], who will be particularly important for our power unit development in the driving simulator in Neuburg.” He did not say who the possible candidates are.
Also Read: The planned Audi-Sauber expansions in preparation for 2026 and future ambitions
What drivers may Audi eventually opt for?
In terms of preparations – 2026 is not that far away. Right now, the organizational, logistical and facility improvements are priority, but sooner or later, they’ll also have to discuss drivers. Right now, Sauber’s lineup features Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas. The latter will be 37 in August 2026. It’ll only be understandable if Audi decide to go in a different direction. Zhou’s case is a little different – he’s young, but he’s yet to truly prove himself. While 2022 was decent, he’ll have to start ‘pulling his weight’ more in 2023.
With Andreas Seidl’s move to Sauber, there have been some suggestions that Lando Norris should (or could) join forces with him at Audi. His current deal expires at the end of 2025, which fits in with a 2026 entry. However, if he decides to go for this move, it’ll probably be better for him to join the team a little early. But then, McLaren are obviously not keen on giving him up – and there’s no exit clause.
Then there’s the prospect of a German driver, which Adam Baker admitted is ‘attractive’. For that, there’s Mick Schumacher, who currently serves as Mercedes’ reserve driver. But that poses another question – will he want to wait that long? Of course, it’s also possible that Audi get him in the Sauber seat a bit early, but that won’t be good news to Sauber juniors, like Theo Pourchaire. There’s also Nico Hulkenberg. Both he and Schumacher are F1-proven. There’s also a rather eclectic prospect of Sebastian Vettel returning with Audi – like his idol Michael Schumacher had with Mercedes. The timelines seem to match up. We shall find out in due course.
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)