"A highly experienced driver will certainly be needed" - Dindo Capello says Audi is targeting a veteran for its F1 entry

The Audi F1 team is already making waves three years before its debut in the pinnacle of motorsports in 2026. The German manufacturer is scouting for driving talent both young and old to fill its two seats when it takes over the Sauber outfit.

Dindo Capello, a two-time 24 Hours Le Mans winner with Audi, outlined the team's expectations for their driver lineup in 2026. In an interview with the Italian publication Formula Passion, he said:

"A highly experienced driver will certainly be needed – and he will be on Audi's list – to speed up development of the car a bit. And then an emerging young man. But in three years in F1 the world changes: who is young and emerging today, in three years he can be considered a veteran."

He added:

"However, the mix of riders will certainly be this: experience and young performance, which can become the winning weapon for the years to come."

Audi's first choice is a veteran driver who can lead the team in the development of the car. A seasoned driver with plenty of experience can guide the team in the right direction in its early years. Alongside the old-timer, the team is hoping to rope in an emerging young talent who will stick around for a longer time.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. is rumored to be at the top of Audi's veteran driver list. The Spaniard has various links to the team, having previously worked with Audi's CEO Andreas Seidl. Sainz Sr. also has links with the German manufacturer and could help his son land a seat with the team.

Another driver who ticks all the boxes is Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas, who recently stated his interest in sticking around until the Audi takeover.

Capello, however, deferred from confirming any names that were linked with the team.

As for the emerging driver, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has plenty of time to pick from the junior categories or younger talent within the F1 itself.

Monaco GP production is to be handled by F1 for the first time

News involving Audi aside, there's a lot going on in the racing world at the moment.

After the cancelation of the Emilia Romagna GP, Formula 1 heads to the principality of Monaco next weekend. According to a report by the Mirror, the television coverage for the Monaco GP will be handled by F1 for the first time in the history of the sport.

‼️ | F1 will produce the television coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time this year.

This is the first time F1 will have production control over every race. https://t.co/q4mI9rWH2v

Local broadcaster Tele Monte Carlo (TMC) produced the coverage for the Monaco GP until last year. TMC was criticized by fans for its bad coverage over the years. The change in the production of the world feed is a piece of good news for the TV audience.

The change marks the first season, where F1 will handle the production of all the races in a year.