As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, the announcement of Nico Hülkenberg joining Audi for the 2026 season marks another exciting chapter for the sport. Audi’s entry as a constructor in Formula 1 has been eagerly anticipated, and securing an experienced driver like Hülkenberg is a significant first step. However, with one seat confirmed, the speculation around who will fill the second seat has intensified, drawing attention from across the motorsport community.
So who will partner up alongside the German driver and the German team for the Formula 1 2026 season, let’s have a look at who could potentially line-up alongside Hülkenberg:
Carlos Sainz the Main Contender to Join Audi
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Audi’s entry into Formula 1 could see them targeting high-profile talents like Carlos Sainz for their 2026 lineup. Sainz, with his impressive blend of speed, consistency, and technical acumen, represents an ideal candidate for a brand-new team like Audi. So far in his career in Formula 1, Sainz has competed in 190 races, achieving three race wins, 21 podiums and over a thousand points and since his entry at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, the Spaniard has proven he is a talent to look out for.
And for opposing teams such as Red Bull, acting advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko has revealed to the press that Audi has made Carlos an offer. An offer that Red Bull cannot compete with. Following his departure from the Ferrari team at the end of 2024, Carlos becomes a vital driver for teams to pursue in the driver market, with not only Red Bull attempting to pursue the 29-year-old but also Mercedes. But for Audi, it would be a project worth investing in Sainz, if he chooses to sign the dotted line for the German-based team entering in 2026.
However, would Audi choose to invest in a driver who is fierce on track but also aggressive in his driving quality? As we have seen so far this season. These are all points that Audi will have to consider in weighing Carlos as one of their options for 2026.
Mick Schumacher
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Will Audi pursue the same ambition as how they signed Nico Hülkenberg? Sign a German driver for a German team? It is an option for Audi. Mick Schumacher is one of the contenders. A name synonymous with motorsport, Mick Schumacher has shown has he the potential to become a race-winning driver in the future of the sport. Driving for Haas in 2021 and 2022, the name “Schumacher” came with expectations, but with no points scored in 2021, it was clear the Haas could not provide a point-scoring car. However, in 2022, with an improved car, Mick proved he could score points even with a car that was struggling to contend with the midfield pack. Scoring 12 of the 37 points has accumulated in 2022.
Unfortunately, his continuation fell fruitless as Mick was replaced in favour of a more experienced driver, Nico Hülkenberg. And in 2023, Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, saw the potential behind the young German driver and took the role of Mercedes’ reserve driver, not only for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team but also for McLaren. Even though, an article by Planet F1 back in April 2023, states Audi is focusing on driver ability, with nationality having little to no interest. But with no discussion between Mick and Audi yet, there is nothing to rule out a possibility.
Still under the wing of Toto Wolff, Mick is yet to prove himself behind the wheel that he is a worthy contender for a race seat. But with seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton heading to Ferrari, Mercedes has a seat available. Does this give Mick an option to take the race for 2025? Or will Audi begin talks with Mick before Toto offers the 25-year-old a contract?
Valtteri Bottas
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10-time Grand Prix winner, Valtteri Bottas is another driver that Audi should consider. Having joined the team in 2022 known as Alfa Romeo, now known as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, the 34-year-old driver was dropped by Mercedes for George Russell. And with Audi buying 100% per cent of the team shares, Valtteri is only two seasons away from the takeover being fully complete. So if Bottas is staying under the same umbrella, it would be wise for german based team to invest in a driver with race-winning experience.
And why? Valtteri has admitted that he enjoys the sport of Formula 1 and is willing to stay around as long as he can compete with a competitive car. However, one problem facing Audi and Valtteri, is that Audi has made it clear their priority is focusing on younger drivers to fill their roster. However, Audi contradicted this statement as they hired Nico Hülkenberg, who is 2 years older than the race-winning Finnish driver. So does this give Bottas hope in joining Audi?
Only time will tell as currently, Audi does not share the same enthusiasm to sign the Finnish driver for 2026. Is this a mistake by Audi or will the Finnish driver run out of options before the end of this season? Which is also when his contract expires.
Sebastian Vettel? Audi or Mercedes?
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Four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel is a key driver for Audi to consider signing for 2026. Hinting a return for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Vettel has made it clear that he will race depending on the package that he is offered by a given team. But ever since the 53-time Grand Prix winner returned to the Formula 1 spotlight, he has been heavily linked to the vacant seat at Mercedes for 2025. With nothing confirmed for Vettel’s return or the German signing for Mercedes in 2025, it gives teams like Audi to keep an eye on Vettel’s decision.
For Audi to lose a potential signing from Vettel for 2026, would be a major blow not just for Audi but for teams that are seeking to improve their packages to score more points and race wins. Vettel’s speed, coupled with his experience and knowledge is a driver that Audi would need to exploit to maximise their chances coming into the 2026 season to start strong and compete as a front-runner.
Even though Audi is no stranger to the realm of motorsport, signing Vettel would offer Audi numerous opportunities not just from technical innovation but also on-track experience.
Conclusion
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Each of these drivers brings unique qualities to the table, from proven race-winning abilities and technical feedback skills to marketing value and future potential. Audi’s decision will likely depend on a mix of these factors, considering both the immediate impact on their performance and the long-term strategy of building a successful team in Formula 1.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? “Formula 1 Propose to Revamp Scoring System for 2025” or “The Chinese Grand Prix Circuit: Shanghai’s Architectural Marvel”
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Source : Nico Hülkenberg Joins Audi in 2026: Who Will Be The Second Driver?
