With current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu out of contract at the end of the year, Audi is keen on solidifying a driver lineup ahead of its transformation into a factory team in 2026. Nico Hulkenberg was secured early, signing a multi-year deal in April to switch from Haas to Sauber starting in 2025. However, Sauber's dismal performance in 2024—failing to score a single point and achieving a best finish of just 11th place—has complicated the search for Hulkenberg's teammate. 

The failure to lure Carlos Sainz even led to the dismissal of Andreas Seidl as CEO of Audi's F1 project. Now, new leadership under Mattia Binotto is actively seeking a second driver, expanding the shortlist of potential candidates. Audi is determined to find the right fit to partner Hulkenberg and build a competitive team for the future.