SUMMARY
- Esteban Ocon could leave Alpine after the 2024 season
- Sauber is actively looking for experienced F1 drivers to help Audi develop their car from 2026
Esteban Ocon has been driving for Alpine’s F1 team since the 2021 season. Even in 2020, when the team was called Renault, the Frenchman was on the front lines. However, in the last few years, the team has not made much progress in development. This could be frustrating for the driver, allowing him to look for an F1 seat elsewhere.
Although Ocon has won a race with Alpine, it does not look like he can win a Championship with the team. In 2023, While Aston Martin and McLaren went from a mid-field team fighting for points to podium teams, Alpine was still stuck in the same place they were in 2021. This has started a few rumors around the paddock.
Esteban Ocon to leave Alpine after 2024?
After the 2024 season, Ocon’s current contract with Alpine would have ended. This will give the driver the freedom to choose from a number of seats that will be available for the 2025 season. From the looks of things, Alpine will need to put on a real case of their own to convince Ocon to stay with them. There are rumours suggesting that Ocon will leave the team to join Sauber to become a prospect for Audi Motorsport in 2026.
In the past couple of years, the team has even gone through a lot of changes in management. This has the team struggling in terms of leadership as well. This will not help their case. They will need to prove to Ocon that they are capable of winning races and Championships. Or else, no driver will want to join Alpine in the future as well.
Esteban Ocon is being reported as a top candidate for Audi in 2026
It is claimed that Andreas Seidl has been meeting with driver managers up and down the grid in relation to Audi’s driver line up for 2026 pic.twitter.com/6tqAiJkfht
— Stake (Sauber) F1 Team News (@StakeF1TeamNews) January 13, 2024
Even Pierre Gasly’s contract with Alpine will end after the 2024 season. This creates more problems for Alpine if Gasly also wants to switch teams. Ideally, the French team would prefer to retain their driver lineup. There is a realistic candidate who could help the team better than their current drivers.
Audi Motorsport will be taking over for Sauber as their works team from the 2026 season. Given that they have high hopes to win races and Championships, they will be looking for a few experienced drivers from the start. Esteban Ocon could be a valuable asset for Audi. However, there are a few more drivers who could be targets for the team.
Other F1 drivers on Sauber’s radar amid nearing Audi partnership
Audi will be looking for a strong and experienced driver lineup for the 2026 season. in order for that to happen, Sauber will need to start recruiting drivers from this season. Most of the drivers on the F1 grid will be out of contract after this season. Hence, Sauber cannot afford to have their target drivers locked in for a multi-year deal with any of the other teams.
Since Audi is a German manufacturer, they will be looking to have a German driver on their team. Nico Hulkenberg fits this and other requirements for them. He has over 10 years of Grand Prix experience. Although he has not been able to achieve a podium, there is no doubt that he is a very talented driver. He has delivered several impressive races over the years.
🚨 | Nico Hulkenberg admits Audi will be an “attractive” option in Formula 1.
Audi wants German drivers – Hulkenberg could “have a shot” of being signed.
Details below:https://t.co/hGcGAccfEM
— formularacers (@formularacers_) September 7, 2023
Carlos Sainz is another driver who has been on Audi’s radar. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr. races for Audi Motorsport in the Dakar Rally. He is currently leading the Dakar Rally and could go on to win it in the next couple of days. given that his father already has a relationship with Audi, it could attract an offer for his son as well in Formula 1. Sainz has taken pride in driving a Volkswagen Golf during an interview once. Volkswagen also happens to won Audi.
It was previously rumored that Mick Schumacher is a main target for Audi Motorsport. He is a talented driver who has won the Formula 2 Championship in 2020. Although he was not able to showcase his true talents with Haas, some still believe that he has a lot to offer for the teams. It is still rumored that if Mick is able to get some more experience as an F1 driver, he will be a key prospect for Audi. Mick is also a German driver which is a plus factor for the upcoming team.
