{"id":95092,"date":"2023-10-25T11:54:40","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T11:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/?p=95092"},"modified":"2023-10-25T11:54:40","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T11:54:40","slug":"verstappen-can-breathe-sigh-of-relief-as-audi-decide-priority-driver-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/racing\/verstappen-can-breathe-sigh-of-relief-as-audi-decide-priority-driver-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"Verstappen can breathe sigh of relief as Audi decide ‘priority’ driver targets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Max Verstappen wins third consecutive Formula One world championship<\/h3>\n

Max Verstappen’s chances of partnering close friend Lando Norris on the F1 grid have been handed a boost, with Audi believed to be looking elsewhere for their 2026 driver line-up. Norris had previously been tipped to sniff out a possible opportunity with the German manufacturer, who will bring significant racing pedigree to the sport.<\/p>\n

Audi are ramping up preparations for their entry into F1, which will coincide with new regulations being introduced in 2026. That makes it perfect timing for Norris who, as it stands, will reach expiry on his McLaren contract at the end of the previous season.<\/p>\n

Although the 23-year-old is yet to win a Grand Prix, many believe he has the necessary talent to thrive at a top team such as Red Bull. However, former F1 team manager Peter Windsor believes that he would be wise to assess opportunities Audi may have to offer.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019d love to see Lando in an Audi in 2026,” he said during a YouTube livestream. “To me, if I was Lando Norris now and Audi or Andreas Seidl said to me: ‘Number one driver, 2026 onwards,’ could you say no to that?”<\/p>\n

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Don’t miss… <\/strong> Max Verstappen’s girlfriend receives death threats as emotional statement issued<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Any notion Norris may have of eyeing up an Audi seat in 2026 may ultimately be meaningless, with the newcomers rumoured to be set on two other current F1 stars. According to Motorsport.com, Nico Hulkenberg is the top priority.<\/p>\n

That much is not particularly surprising, with Hulkenberg currently the only German driver on the grid. Audi’s intent to hire a competitor from their own nation has become an open secret in the paddock.<\/p>\n