F1: Audi is targeting a veteran for its F1 entry

The Audi F1 team is scouting for driving talent both young and old to fill its two seats when it takes over the Sauber outfit.

Dindo Capello (Shown above), a two-time 24 Hours Le Mans winner with Audi, outlined the team’s expectations for their driver lineup in 2026. In an interview with the Italian publication Formula Passion, Capello said:

“A highly experienced driver will certainly be needed – and he will be on Audi’s list – to speed up development of the car a bit. And then an emerging young man. But in three years in F1 the world changes: who is young and emerging today, in three years he can be considered a veteran.”

“However, the mix of drivers will certainly be this: experience and young performance, which can become the winning weapon for the years to come.”

Audi’s first choice is a veteran driver who can lead the team in the development of the car. A seasoned driver with plenty of experience can guide the team in the right direction in its early years. Alongside the old-timer, the team is hoping to rope in an emerging young talent who will stick around for a longer time.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. is rumored to be at the top of Audi’s veteran driver list. The Spaniard has various links to the team, having previously worked with Audi’s CEO Andreas Seidl. Sainz Sr. also has links with the German manufacturer and could help his son land a seat with the team.

Another driver who ticks all the boxes is Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas, who recently stated his interest in sticking around until the Audi takeover.

Capello, however, deferred from confirming any names that were linked with the team.

As for the emerging driver, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has plenty of time to pick from the junior categories or younger talent within the F1 itself.