The entry of the German automobile manufacturer Audi into Formula 1 is awaited with great excitement. F1 fans still have to be patient until the first Audi duo takes to the grid in 2026. But speculation is already increasing as to who will sit in the cockpit.
From 2026, Audi will also be fighting for championship points in Formula 1 with its own drive unit. At the Neuburg an der Donau location, the racing team will work on the F1 car – and further develop it together with its drivers.
Which drivers will form the first duo at Audi cannot, of course, be reliably predicted for more than two years. The already rapidly changing driver market will still have one or two surprises until then. Nevertheless, candidates are already being mentioned again and again who could be part of the new team in the future – such as the German hopeful Mick Schumacher.
According to British “Sky” commentator and Formula 1 expert Craig Slater, Lando Norris, whose contract with McLaren expires at the end of 2025, could also be included.
“Norris is the Jew Bellingham of Formula 1”
Slater made an interesting comparison: “Norris is the Jew Bellingham (Real Madrid football star, editor’s note) of Formula 1 when it comes to transfers. If he were a footballer, he would be in the £100 million category. He’s young, talented and marketable.”
According to the F1 commentator, there is currently no racing team that would be able to sign the 23-year-old so quickly. “Ferrari seems to be well secured enough. At Mercedes it looks as if they will continue to work with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the coming years. Max Verstappen is firmly anchored at Red Bull,” mused Slater and added: “Audi might be interested in a few years. When they come to Formula 1, they want a big name as the face of the team.”