Audi wants a big-name driver pairing when it makes its first foray into grand prix racing when it joins Formula 1 in 2026. Names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen or Fernando Alonso will be out of reach for the team as it will be unproven but there are plenty of drivers on the potential shopping list. RacingNews365 understands that both Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg are the front-runners, with the latter's deal set to be announced in the coming days. Sainz is considering an offer , but is keen to see how Verstappen's situation at Red Bull plays out, with a potential vacancy there if he jumps the Red Bull ship for next season. Below in the latest RN365 poll, we have provided several possible driver combinations for Stake/Audi based off the most likely candidates. Let us know who you think should be the drivers by voting in the poll and in the comments below!
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