Ricciardo, Bottas, Pourchaire… Which driver to complete the duo at Audi?

If its official commitment will not begin before 2026, Audi is already preparing the ground. The German manufacturer completed the takeover of Sauber last March and move forward little by little. As for the project itself, everything is not yet complete. On the management side there was a first reshuffle with the departures of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, and the arrival of Mattia Binotto as director and that of Jonathan Wheatley, expected next season as team principal.

There also remains to manage one last file, and not the least: that of the second pilot. So far, alone Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed. Audi must therefore still find him a teammate. And while the transfer window is in full swing and the last places on the grid are gradually finding takers, the brand from across the Rhine is working behind the scenes to complete its workforce. By taking a look at the current market and planning ahead, several possibilities become available. So here are some ideas.

Bottas, Ricciardo: the choice of experience

On the current grid, two names seem to stand out: Valtteri Bottas et Daniel Ricciardo. The first is even already a member of the house since he has been a Sauber driver since 2022. With the Finn, Audi would enlist an experienced CV with 236 starts to date and 10 Grand Prix victories. To this must be added a passage at Mercedes in the wake of a Lewis Hamilton untouchable and where he fulfilled his role as a teammate perfectly. By associating him with Nico Hülkenberg, the German manufacturer would not really take any risks and could therefore rely on their knowledge of the sector to begin this new adventure.

Daniel Ricciardo also meets the same criteria as Valtteri Bottas. Also at the end of his contract, the Australian is not guaranteed to continue within the fold Red Bull. Recalled last year to return to the parent team in 2025 in the event of very good performances, Danny Ric' showed himself feverish, not necessarily convincing his managers. While Sergio Pérez was extended and even publicly reassured about his continuity by Helmut Marko, the Aussie seems to have one foot out while Red Bull could bet on a young driver to accompany Yuki tsunoda at RB next year. If he leaves, he would then be a good pick for Audi, so much so that they are interested in his profile. Note that Kevin Magnussen, not retained by Haas, also enters this box.

Purchair to give credibility to the academy?

Rather than relying on pilots who are certainly experienced but closer to retirement than to the start of their career, the Germans could opt for youth. For this, they could turn to the Sauber academy. Far from being the most abundant and renowned in the paddock, it still hosts a champion of F2 and vice-champion of F3 : Theo Pourchaire.

Currently without a steering wheel after the premature end of his adventure in IndyCar with McLaren, the Grassois could be a great card to play. He is young, ready to make the leap to F1 and knows the house. In addition, during its various runs both in Free Practice 1 and private testing, the Tricolore satisfied the Sauber managers. A promotion would also allow Audi to give credibility to its academy and would justify all the investments made for his career.

Bortoleto, youth from elsewhere

Obviously during this transfer market period, many rumors are circulating in the paddock. One of the latest leads to Gabriel Bortoleto. Currently runner-up to Isack Hadjar in F2 and best rookie, the Brazilian has been incisive since his rise in the FIA ​​championships with the F3 title in his first year in 2023 and a very solid first Formula 2 campaign. However, a recruitment of the Brazilian, who also defends the interests of McLaren in the anteroom of F1, would not work in favor of the Sauber academy. It remains to be seen what Audi's ambitions are with the latter, with the Auriverde bringing with it some nice financial baggage. A weighty argument in current Formula 1.

In this same subject, Guanyu-Zhou is a serious candidate. However, the Chinese will have to be very convincing, if there are discussions. Something he has not managed to do on the track in almost three full seasons now.

Palou, finally the big leap?

The name of Alex Palou has also appeared in the rumor mill in recent days. It must be said that the Spaniard, once linked with McLaren and potentially in the running for a place in F1, has never hidden his desire to one day taste the premier category, he who is in the fight for a third title in IndyCar.

Last June, he even assured that the terms of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing “ allow him to pursue an opportunity to drive as a full-time Formula 1 driver (for McLaren) for 2025 and beyond ". But compared to these counterparts already present in F1 and looking for a new opportunity, the Catalan would leave with a slight delay even if he enjoys great experience at the high level. It could therefore be a nice move for Audi to try, which will have to make its decision quickly or risk seeing the horizon become blocked little by little with drivers who will take the lead in resolving their future.

ALSO READ > Not yet there and already a reshuffle, should we be worried about the Audi project?