Just when you thought the Formula 1 silly season couldn’t get any more intriguing, it seems Audi F1 is shaking things up. With the esteemed team gearing up for their official debut in 2026, discussions are already underway to secure an impressive lineup, featuring none other than four renowned race winners. As Stake Team’s representative Alessandro Alunni-Bravi spilled the details, this revelation has caught the attention of the F1 world.
In the world of Formula 1, where competition and strategy go hand in hand, the announcements of driver lineups are always eagerly anticipated. With Audi set to take over the Sauber team, the pressure is on to assemble a formidable team. Stake, currently overseeing the potential lineup for 2025, is leaving no stone unturned. There’s fierce anticipation surrounding which of the four race winners will seize the available seat — a decision that will likely prophet the impending Audi project.
Alessandro Alunni-Bravi, representing Stake, revealed during the Spanish Grand Prix that discussions are actively ongoing with four acclaimed drivers. “There are in the Formula 1 market four Formula 1 race winners and we are discussing with all of them,” he stated. The potential candidates who could occupy this coveted position are speculated to be Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and Valtteri Bottas.
One notable aspect of this decision is its long-term implications. Whoever secures the seat in 2025 is anticipated to continue with Audi, making it a significant leverage point for Stake in an environment driven by precision and future planning. Furthermore, with Nico Hulkenberg having already committed, the identity of his future teammate remains a tantalizing secret.
Despite the speculation surrounding Stake’s performance, Alunni-Bravi was quick to dismiss theories suggesting a strategic compromise for the current and the upcoming season. “I think it’s a mistake to mix both things,” he countered, emphasizing that the preparation for Audi’s arrival is not overshadowing the present efforts. Stake remains focused on fortifying its current structure, while maintaining an eye on future potential with Audi.
This approach points to a synchronized effort rather than a bifurcated one, ensuring a seamless transition into the Audi era. Alunni-Bravi elaborated on the ongoing transformation under Andreas Seidl’s leadership, focusing on enhancing technical teams and reinforcing current capabilities. He reassures, “There is one team. that needs to be the foundation for the works team.” By addressing existing weaknesses, Stake aims to build a strong foundation for their upcoming partnership with Audi.
As the F1 silly season continues to unfold, Audi’s involvement has undoubtedly intensified the drama. The decision on which race winner will join Nico Hulkenberg is a key moment that fans and analysts alike are watching closely. While the current performance of Stake may not be at its zenith, the commitment towards building a robust team for Audi’s entry is evident. With a keen focus on both present enhancements and future prospects, Stake is paving the way for an exciting new chapter in Formula 1 history.
