Audi is one of two new teams that joined the grid for the 2026 season and is having a much better time on track than Cadillac. The German team has amassed 12 points so far this season, putting them in eighth place in the standings. The R26 has looked competitive in recent races, and the car and drivers have found form.
Audi, which took over the Sauber team, develops its own powertrain, making it a manufacturer team, not a customer one. It has two drivers locked down, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg. The former has admitted that he has a multi-year deal to stay at the team. However, Hulkenberg's contract is up at the conclusion of this year.
With Audi likely to want to keep stability within its ranks as they go through the teething stage, it is likely both drivers stay at the team in 2027. However, for the 2028 season, many drivers might consider Audi the team to be at.
George Russell and Carlos Sainz eye a move to Audi, according to a pundit
Carlos Sainz might be looking to leave Williams in the near future. The 31-year-old is running out of time to become a world champion, and his current team are struggling with the new 2026 regulations. The Spaniard has openly hinted he is unsure where his future lies, with reports now linking him to Audi.
Another driver who might look to move on from their current team is George Russell. This is according to former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, who believes if Russell doesn't beat his teammate, Kimi Antonelli, to the title, his time is up with the Silver Arrows.
Speaking to the Red Flag Podcast, ↗︎Steiner said, "There’s a lot of interest from drivers to go to Audi for 2028. That’s quite an interesting place because they’re making good progress. It seems to be on track, what they are doing.
2026 Season: George Russell vs Carlos Sainz
2026 · P3
2026 · P18
"I think there would be quite a few candidates. Carlos for sure. I think George is also looking around now, knowing that he’s now with Kimi. He doesn’t want to stay with Kimi for the rest of his life, because there he knows where he is for the rest of his life. So, he is trying to find new opportunities."
Audi is an interesting prospect for drivers as an up-and-coming team. In a few seasons, they aim to be challenging for titles. Once all the early issues are ironed out, they could become a strong outfit on the grid. They are already fighting for points and are classed as the nearly team, finishing 11th and 12th on many occasions this year. The driver market for 2028, especially Audi, could be one to watch.
