Audi-Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley is already thinking many laps ahead of the field – openly declaring his ambition to lure four-time world champion Max Verstappen to the German manufacturer’s fledgling squad.
Audi will make its official entry into F1 next season, assuming full control of the Sauber-run operation just as sweeping new technical regulations arrive.
With its own power unit in development and a long-term blueprint that stretches into the next decade, Audi is attempting nothing less than a total transformation – and Wheatley wants the sport’s biggest star to be part of the payoff.
A Friendship-Fueled Ambition
Speaking to De Telegraaf on Wednesday in Munich where Audi unveiled its 2026 F1 concept design, Wheatley was disarmingly direct when asked whether Verstappen features in his long-term vision.
“Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car,” he said.
Audi has already locked in Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto for 2026, yet Wheatley sees no reason to pretend his aspirations stop there. Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028 – but that hasn’t stopped rivals from plotting their moves years in advance.
“What kind of team principal would I be if I didn't want that?” Wheatley added.
©Audi
It’s no empty sentiment. Wheatley and the Verstappen family share a long, successful history, dating back to his years guiding the Dutchman through his rise at Red Bull.
“I'm in the fortunate position of having been friends with Max for a long time, but also with his father, Jos, and manager, Raymond. And such a friendship develops because you're always honest and you never betray the trust you've built.
“But I don't think that's enough right now to directly link Verstappen to a Formula 1 seat at Audi.”
In other words: the door is open, the welcome mat is out, but the timing still has to make sense.
A Bidding War on the Horizon?
Audi certainly won’t be alone in chasing Verstappen if the stars align before 2028. Mercedes is expected to resume its pursuit as early as next year as team boss Toto Wolff continues to express his admiration for Verstappen at every opportunity.
Aston Martin, too, is likely quietly preparing its own case. With Lawrence Stroll investing heavily in facilities, personnel, and status, the team is shaping its future around the promise of a world-beating package – the kind of pitch Verstappen would at least be tempted to hear.
All of which means Audi is entering a future transfer market far more chaotic than anything the team encountered when securing its first driver line-up.
Audi’s Long Game
Still, Wheatley knows the value of patience. Audi has publicly set its goal of fighting for world championships by 2030 – exactly the kind of target that could become irresistible to a driver looking for a fresh challenge after years of success at Red Bull.
For now, Wheatley’s strategy appears simple: build trust, build competitiveness, and build an environment Verstappen might one day call home.
And if that sounds optimistic, well, that’s part of the plan. As Wheatley’s comments made clear, ambition is no longer optional for a team aiming to upset Formula 1’s established order.
Read also: Audi unveils 2026 F1 concept, targets 2030 title bid
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