Audi Chief Sets Ambitious Goal: Max Verstappen in Our Car by 2030

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley has openly expressed his desire to see Max Verstappen behind the wheel of an Audi F1 car, acknowledging it's a long-term aspiration rather than an immediate possibility. This bold statement underscores Audi's ambitious vision for its Formula 1 entry, aiming to compete at the very top of the sport.

Why it matters:

Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 marks a significant new chapter for the sport, and their declared ambition to attract a talent like Max Verstappen signals a serious intent to challenge for championships. Securing a driver of Verstappen's caliber would instantly elevate Audi's status and accelerate their path to competitiveness, provided they can build a winning package.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Appeal: As the undisputed top driver in F1, Max Verstappen is highly coveted by every team principal due to his exceptional skill and relatively young age, making him a prime target for long-term success.
• Wheatley's Admission: Speaking at an Audi event in Munich, Jonathan Wheatley stated, "Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car. What kind of team principal would I be if I didn't want that?"
• Personal Connection: Wheatley highlighted his long-standing friendships with Max, his father Jos, and manager Raymond, built on honesty and trust.
• Current Reality Check: Despite his desire, Wheatley conceded that Audi, currently operating through Sauber (ninth in the standings), is not yet a convincing enough prospect to attract Verstappen directly. "I don't think that's enough right now to directly link Verstappen to a Formula 1 seat at Audi," he noted.
• Ambitious Targets: Audi aims to challenge established teams like McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull. Wheatley emphasized that while these teams have a long history of success and strong organizations, Audi is investing heavily to reach that level.
• 2030 Title Goal: Wheatley described Audi's target of fighting for the F1 title by 2030 as "aggressive, but in my eyes, certainly achievable," reflecting the significant investment and long-term strategy.

What's next:

Audi's focus will now be on building a competitive foundation for their 2026 debut, developing their power unit and chassis, and attracting top talent across all departments. Their ability to deliver on their ambitious performance goals will ultimately determine whether a driver of Verstappen's stature might consider them in the future. The next few years will be crucial in establishing their credibility as a front-running contender.