Audi desire major F1 signing: 'We want Max Verstappen'

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley has set his sights on luring Max Verstappen to the team in the coming years.

The German manufacturer is entering F1 for the first time next year, taking over the Sauber-run squad as the sport enters a new era under fresh regulations.

The scale of the project includes the production of its own power unit, with former Red Bull sporting director Wheatley running the day-to-day operations of the squad.

Audi held an event earlier this week during which it unveiled a concept livery for its debut season on the grid.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Wheatley, who enjoyed major success with Verstappen at Red Bull, detailed his interest in signing Verstappen in the future.

“Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car,” he said.

Audi currently has Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto signed up to race for the team next year.

The team has pinned a goal on fighting for F1 world championships by the 2030 campaign - a position that could be used to lure Verstappen, whose current Red Bull deal expires at the end of 2028.

Wheatley outlined he would not be doing his job adequately if he did not hold an ambition to field four-time champion Verstappen at the team.

"What kind of team principal would I be if I didn't want that?" Wheatley said.

“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.”