Jonathan Wheatley Dreams Big for Audi: 'I Want Max Verstappen in Our Car'

Audi-Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley has openly declared his ambition to attract four-time world champion Max Verstappen to the German manufacturer's fledgling Formula 1 squad.

Audi is set to make its official F1 entry next season, taking full control of the Sauber-run operation with new technical regulations on the horizon. With its own power unit under development and a long-term vision stretching into the next decade, Audi is aiming for a complete transformation, and Wheatley wants the sport's biggest star to be a part of their success.

Why it matters:

• Audi's entry into F1 represents a significant long-term investment by a major manufacturer, aiming to challenge the established order.
• Luring a driver of Verstappen's caliber would instantly legitimize Audi's F1 program and accelerate its path to competitiveness, potentially reshaping the driver market for years to come.
• This ambition underscores Audi's serious intent to become a top team, not just another participant.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Appeal: Wheatley explicitly stated, "Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car," despite Audi already confirming Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for 2026.
• Personal Connection: Wheatley shares a long-standing friendship with Max, his father Jos, and manager Raymond, developed during his time at Red Bull.
• Current Contract Status: Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, making any immediate move unlikely but not ruling out future possibilities.
• Audi's Long-Term Goal: Audi has publicly set a target of competing for world championships by 2030, which could appeal to a driver seeking a fresh challenge after sustained success.

The Big Picture:

Audi's open pursuit of Verstappen signals a strategic move in anticipation of a highly competitive future driver market. While Mercedes and Aston Martin are also expected to vie for Verstappen's services, Audi is positioning itself as a compelling long-term project. The combination of a new manufacturer entry, significant investment, and an ambitious timeline could make Audi an attractive destination for top talent in the coming years.

What's next:

• Audi's immediate focus will be on developing their 2026 power unit and chassis to ensure they are competitive from the outset.
• The team will need to demonstrate strong performance and progress to make their proposition irresistible to drivers like Verstappen as his contract with Red Bull nears its end.
• The F1 driver market is expected to be highly dynamic as teams strategize for the post-2028 era, with several top drivers' contracts expiring around that time. Wheatley's strategy involves building trust and competitiveness to create an environment that Verstappen might one day call home.