The Sauber team has undergone several changes in ownership in recent years, altering its name to Stake at the present. Reports suggest that the team’s name will be changed once more to Audi from 2026 onwards.
However, uncertainty remains in deciding the team’s potential drivers. While no official confirmation has been provided, there are speculations indicating the team’s interest in recruiting Esteban Ocon as one of their drivers.
Esteban Ocon on Audi’s wishlist
The Sauber team is planning to develop their engines for the 2026 season with a major change implemented. The current Ferrari engine will be replaced by a German Audi one. The ownership of the current “Alfa Romeo” team has already been transferred to Audi, as they bought the majority of their shares once again with a new owner for the team in the 2026 season.
The Swiss team has also shared the logo on different social media platforms for the 2026 season, with a common question raised among the spectators: who will be driving for the team? While there are already ongoing speculations about Nico Hulkenberg planning to join the F1 team in the future, additionally, another rumour has been circulating that the team has an interest in the French driver, Esteban Ocon.
FiA approve Andretti entry but FOM and teams might not approve .
— ahmed baokbah 🇸🇦🏎✈️ (@ahmed_baokbah) October 6, 2023
F1 Team bosses and the top 3 F1 drivers are not on the same page for adding a new teams .
Haas big brain using a paper cup on stick as a windsock .
Audi being unserious proving Binotto point on calling them “… https://t.co/OL5TsKGn8x pic.twitter.com/OZB3wlnnKw
Lawrence Barrettto has stated that Ocon is “very high up” on the wishlist of Sauber. He also said, “While Alpine may be interested in keeping Ocon for another season, sources say Sauber-run Stake have the Frenchman very high up on their list as they prepare the operation to become Audi in 2026.”
Which other drivers can join Audi in 2026?
Several drivers’ names are associated with the Sauber team’s wishlist. Some of them include Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, reserve driver Théo Pourchaire, Nico Hulkenberg, and lastly, the Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz. While Sauber has not made any official announcement on the recruitment of its driver, the Swiss team has shown interest in hiring one of the drivers mentioned above.
Esteban Ocon has emerged as a surprise contender for the Audi 2026 seat with reports suggesting he is “high up” on their list.
— 🏎 Formula 1 Daily (@Formula1_Daily) January 9, 2024
Sauber went from Alfa Romeo to Stake in 2024, but in two years, they will be Audi as the German giant moves into F1.#F1 #Sauber #Audi pic.twitter.com/gyVxCsPNNI
Allteri Bottas has expressed his interest in joining the Sauber team, emphasising his openness to racing for any team. He envisions being a part of the team for a while longer, fueled by his continued passion for driving. The Finnish driver said, “Being part of Audi would be my number one priority and preference. But if for some reason not, then absolutely I would talk to [other teams]. I want to be around because I feel like I still have some unfinished things in this sport.”
What are your opinions on the various partnerships associated with the Sauber team? Let us know in the comment section below.
