Red Bull Hints at Vettel’s Potential Return to F1 with Audi

2026 Formula 1 driver line-up market is heating up as speculation spins around who will join Nico Hulkenberg at Audi’s new venture next year. Reports from Britain’s “The Sun” suggest that Mick Schumacher, the young German driver, is being seriously considered for the coveted seat at Sauber, which will be rebranded as Audi.

“Vettel harmonised perfectly with Jonathan Wheatley (at Red Bull) in the past,” the newspaper explained, “and he also knows Mattia Binotto from his time at Ferrari.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing advisor, hinted in an interview with “Osterreich” newspaper that a familiar face might be making a comeback. “The German Sebastian Vettel is still pushing for a return to Formula 1,” Marko revealed, sparking widespread excitement among fans who have long awaited the potential return of the retired four-time world champion.

Meanwhile, current Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas is also positioning himself as a strong candidate to stay with the team. The Finn, who is currently enjoying some time in California, recently posted a photo on social media alongside an Audi R8, emblazoned with his signature race number 77—a subtle nod, perhaps, to his desire to remain in the seat as Audi transitions into F1.

The Finn has expressed optimism about the potential impact of new management on his future with the team. “It is going to reset the talks a bit, because we have previously been in communication with Andreas (Seidl) and Oliver (Hoffmann) and now it’s Mattia,” Bottas commented. “So yeah, for sure that will change some things, so we need to speak.”

Mika Salo, a former F1 driver and fellow Finn, believes Bottas still has a fighting chance to retain his spot with the team, especially given his involvement in the early stages of Audi’s F1 project. “When I moved to Toyota, nothing already existed,” Salo shared with Iltalehti newspaper. “It wasn’t easy, and then I got fired in the middle of it all. I hope Valtteri will be able to reap the benefits.”

Salo also downplayed the speculation linking Bottas with a move to Alpine, suggesting that staying with Audi could be the better option. “Alpine is still being speculated, but I don’t really see any point in moving there. It would be better if he could continue where he is already,” Salo added, highlighting the continuity and stability that Bottas might benefit from.

As the gossips continue to swirl, the F1 world eagerly awaits confirmation of who will secure the prized Audi seat, with Vettel, Schumacher, and Bottas all in the spotlight.