P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber Formula 1 CEO Andreas Seidl has said Audi is not aiming to entice drivers through financial means amid rumours
Audi is preparing to enter F1 with a full takeover of the Sauber team by 2026 to align with new technical rules. Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi confirmed Audi’s involvement in driver decisions, including signing Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season. Carlos Sainz is rumored to be Audi’s top target, with a potential lucrative offer on the table. However, Audi’s Motorsport Director, Seidl, emphasizes attracting individuals who want to be part of Audi’s F1 journey without solely relying on financial incentives. Hulkenberg’s long-term contract aims to accelerate Sauber’s transition to Audi by securing the best possible driver pairing. Seidl hints at the possibility of pairing an experienced driver like Hulkenberg with a rookie to tackle the challenges ahead for the Sauber-Audi team.
