Rumor: Potential 2026 Audi Driver Candidates Leaked

Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine driver Esteban Ocon have been recently rumored to be on a candidate list for the 2026 Audi Sauber team.

Audi is supposed to partner with Sauber to replace the current Alfa Romeo team on the grid. While no drivers have been confirmed to race for Audi in 2026, there have been rumors connecting some drivers with the team.

The first driver to possibly take a seat in 2026 Audi was Mick Schumacher. Schumacher is a big name, and while he isn't too experienced, Audi might also choose him for the German nationality, which matches the team.

Another driver connected to a possible move to Audi is Carlos Sainz Jr. The connection there is his dad, Carlos Sainz Sr., used to compete in the Dakar Rally for the Audi team.

Choosing the perfect driver for the team will not be easy as both Mercedes and McLaren drivers, plus Max Verstappen, are already under contract for the 2026 season.

According to motorsport.com, rumors have leaked throughout the summer that suggest the team is interested in German driver Nico Hulkenberg and one of the Alpine drivers.

Bringing Nico Hulkenberg onto the team seems like a sensible move for Audi. The 36-year-old driver will race his 200th Grand Prix this week during Mexico City Grand Prix.

The German obviously has a lot of experience to offer, and that is something a new team can definitely make use of. The newly built car will need some adjustments, and teams usually need experienced drivers who can communicate well what they need from the car.

Concerning the Alpine drivers, motorsport.com mentions that insiders say Esteban Ocon is the one that Audi would be interested in. With eight seasons in Formula One, Ocon is also no rookie.

The Frenchman is currently contracted with Alpine (also a French team). He has been on the team since 2020, but his best result has been ranking 8th in the Drivers' Championship, so a promise of a better car might convince Ocon to move to Audi.

Both Hulkenberg and Ocon have their contracts valid until the end of next season (2024). The question remains whether they could be convinced to give up one year of racing for Alfa Romeo Sauber at the end of the grid before the transition of the team.