Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley Openly Expresses Desire for Max Verstappen to Join Audi F1 Team

Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who will co-lead Audi's F1 team alongside Mattia Binotto, has openly admitted his strong desire to sign Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

After years of working with Verstappen at Red Bull Racing and maintaining a strong personal relationship, Wheatley's candidness highlights Audi's long-term ambitions to attract top talent. This move underscores the significant investment and strategic planning Audi is putting into its F1 entry, aiming to establish itself as a championship contender by targeting a driver widely considered the best on the current grid.

The details:

• Verstappen's Relationship with Wheatley: Wheatley has a long-standing friendship with Max Verstappen, his father Jos Verstappen, and manager Raymond Vermeulen, cultivated during their time together at Red Bull Racing.
• Audi's Ambition: Audi has officially launched its F1 project, fully taking over Sauber and developing its own engine for the new 2026 regulations. The team aims to contend for the world title by 2030.
• Wheatley's Statement: When asked about the possibility of Verstappen joining Audi, 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?" He emphasized that while their friendship is strong due to honesty and trust, it's not yet enough to directly link Verstappen to an Audi seat.
• Driver Lineup: Audi will debut with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as its initial driver pairing.

The big picture:

Audi's entry into Formula 1 is a long-term project with clear championship aspirations. By targeting a driver of Verstappen's caliber, even as a distant goal, they signal their intent to compete at the very highest level. Wheatley's comments provide insight into the strategic thinking behind Audi's driver recruitment, prioritizing not just talent but also establishing trust and relationships.

What's next:

While a move for Verstappen is not imminent, especially with his current contract with Red Bull extending beyond 2028, Audi's aggressive development and recruitment strategy will be closely watched. The team's performance leading up to and during the 2026 regulation changes will be crucial in demonstrating its potential to attract and retain top-tier talent like Verstappen, should he consider other options in the future.