Carlos Sainz & Fernando Alonso Grab Eyes With $450 Million Worth 2026 F1 Seat Offering

In the world of F1, there is always something exciting brewing. The long speculation of Audi entering as an official team has been confirmed. They’re going to make an entry in 2026. Unsurprisingly, they are already considering drivers they’d want onboard.

Audi is all set to take over Sauber, which would officially have them enter the F1 grid in 2023. The team would officially become Audi in 2026. Audi is said to hold 75% of the share for which a deal of $450 Million is said to be reached. With each year that passes, Audi will hold 25 % more respectively.

With this plan in place, Audi would then become the true holder of the team by 2026, and not prior, as they do not wish to associate the brand with the Ferrari engine. Having said that, Ferrari would remain the official supplier until the year 2025.

Audi has been pretty proactive in their decision-making regarding their F1 team. They’ve already laid out their plans and are considering their potential drivers, with Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso at the top of their list. However, they still have a few years to go and nothing is confirmed yet.

The CEO of the official Audi F1 team, Adam Baker, appeared in Madrid for a presentation where he shared their plans for the future. Talking about their consideration of appointing veteran drivers, he shared his thoughts on Carlos Sainz, who would be 31 years old by 2026. He said, “It would be fantastic. But there are many years left. It would be very good.”

He further mentioned Fernando, as he exclaimed, “And Alonso? The Dream Team! Of course we have that interest, but it is very difficult to think about what will happen in 3 years. We can dream, it would be speculating.” (Translated by Google)

Read More: “Surprised” Fernando Alonso Once Teased Former Team Ferrari F1 Over “Strange Strategy”

With Audi holding the reins, Mick Schumacher may also be in consideration to fill their seat in 2024

Audi may be Mick Schumacher’s saving grace

Haas’ Mick Schumacher may be in a bit of trouble with no official seat for the F1 season of 2023. The young German has been showcasing noteworthy performances this season in a car that is far from competitive. However, with his contract coming to an end, Schumacher Jr has yet to figure out his next move.

Schumacher is reported to be considered by Mercedes, however, nothing is confirmed on that front. With Audi taking over Sauber, Schumacher may have a chance of getting behind the Alfa Romeo wheel. Having noticed the progress that the young driver has made, Audi definitely has an eye on him.

Currently, Audi isn’t looking to break the ongoing contract with Valterri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou. However, there is a slight possibility in the future for the German driver to find his place in the team. Audi might just be Mick Schumacher’s long shot.

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Behind the scenes at F1 is always as exciting as it is on the tracks. As an F1 fan, how do you feel about Audi’s entry?