These rumors intensified when a seat became vacant at Mercedes, for example, and with German manufacturer Audi preparing to join F1 in 2026.
Audi will complete their full takeover of Sauber next year, as the manufacturer expands their operations to the UK with a reported engineering hub in ‘motorsport valley’, alongside a Swiss base at Hinwil, and a power unit operation in Neuburg.
Sebastian Vettel retired from F1 in 2022Audi join the grid in 2026
Vettel voted for shock Audi F1 return
In a recent GPFans poll, readers had their say on whether Vettel should return to F1, and which team he should join and their choice is clear.
F1 fans voted overwhelmingly for an Audi comeback, with 56% of the audience selecting the incoming team for Vettel’s return.
Red Bull were the second most popular option, receiving 18% of the vote, with some fans hoping for a return to the team where the German won all four of his world titles.
Only 12% of voters wanted Vettel to join Mercedes, whilst a return to Aston Martin, Haas or Alpine garnered five percent or less of the vote.
Few readers also voted for the new Cadillac team, which will arrive in 2026, with six percent of fans seeing the American team as an option for the champion.