When the engine regulations undergo a major change ahead of the 2026 season, the landscape of F1 will change significantly.
Audi will complete their takeover of Sauber, Andretti-Cadillac may join the grid and Red Bull will begin to produce their own powertrains.
Whilst Alfa Romeo will make a smooth transition to become Audi, the driver situation at the team remains unclear, with Audi potentially wanting a fresh start when they enter F1.
Valtteri Bottas will be coming towards the latter end of his racing career in 2026 and the jury is still out for Alfa Romeo’s other driver Zhou Guanyu, who is now in his second season in the sport.
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It has been rumoured that the team could target former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, who is currently serving as Mercedes’ third driver as he attempts to earn his way back onto the grid for next season.
The 23-year-old has proved that he is clearly a talented driver but unfortunately his inconstancy made him too expensive of an asset for a smaller team such as Haas.
Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has now denied that his team are in talks with Schumacher but has admitted that a German driver does appeal to Audi.
“We are currently talking to many decision makers, drivers, team managers,” he told Der Spiegel.
“There have been no concrete discussions with Mick Schumacher regarding a commitment.
“Of course, German drivers interest us as much as they interest the top of the parent company, but that is not a requirement for us.”
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Audi signing a German driver would certainly help to attract potential sponsors, with Schumacher being signed for Haas back in 2021 for a similar reason.
The team will be targeting podiums and race wins within a couple of seasons in the sport, with the Audi project promising to bring a lot of excitement to Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas has expressed his interest in being a part of the project but only time will tell who Audi will choose to drive for them in 2026.