Sauber boss Jonathan Wheatley has stated he would ideally like to sign Max Verstappen for the forthcoming Audi Formula 1 team in the future.
The Dutchman has been at the centre of driver market speculation across much of this summer, with rumours circulating that he was set for a move from Red Bull to rivals Mercedes.
But amid an upturn in fortunes for Red Bull and the uncertainty that next year brings – sparked by the new set of technical regulations – Verstappen opted to commit to the Milton Keynes-based squad for 2026.
Wheatley, who spent 18 years at Red Bull as Team Manager and Sporting Director, knows Verstappen well, having seen him rise from a teenager at satellite squad Toro Rosso to race-winner, and ultimately, a multiple World Champion.
The Englishman will lead Sauber into its transition into Audi for 2026, and will maintain the status quo in its driver line-up, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto both continuing.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Wheatley indicated that, naturally, a driver of Verstappen’s stature would be a desired signing, but admitted the time to think about fantasy signings for the German squad is not now.
“Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car,” he said. “What kind of Team Principal would I be if I didn’t want that?
“I’m in the fortunate position of having been friends with Max for a long time, but also with his father, Jos, and manager, Raymond.
“And such a friendship develops because you’re always honest and you never betray the trust you’ve built.
“But I don’t think that’s enough right now to directly link Verstappen to a Formula 1 seat at Audi.”
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