A top Sauber chief has admitted he would "always" want to sign Fernando Alonso as the team considers its options for 2026.
It will become the Audi works team that season. The German carmaker's entry into the sport is timed to coincide with the introduction of new engine regulations which also come in to force.
Audi is building its own power units at a facility in Neuburg, a town around 15 miles from its HQ in Ingolstadt. Those engines will power the chassis created at Sauber's current facility in Hinwil, Switzerland.
It may seem too early to talk about drivers with two-and-a-half seasons of F1 action still to play out before Audi take to the grid. But the team hopes to have a development driver in place this year and is certainly considering its options for race seats.
Recently, it was reported that Carlos Sainz was a target for the team. A few days later, though, the Ferrari racer issued a furious response to the speculation.
There is still every chance a Spanish driver is in the frame for a spot at the team, though. Sauber managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi admitted to Mundo Deportivo that Alonso will be an attractive option despite being in his mid-40s by that time.
The Italian said: "I would always sign Fernando, even at 45 years or more. I was able to get to know him well at McLaren, when I was the manager of Stoffel Vandoorne, who was his team-mate. I was able to see first-hand the work he can do on a day-to-day basis as a driver, his ability, his great determination.
"He is a champion. You don't win two F1 world titles if you don't have certain characteristics. It's a pleasure for me to see him.. I cannot hide that Fernando is one of the top drivers in F1 and that has to be recognised."
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are the current drivers for the Alfa Romeo team. And reserve Theo Pourchaire is currently plying his trade in Formula 2 waiting for his opportunity to move up to the top category.
Alunni Bravi admitted Sainz is "one of the best drivers currently in F1", but insisted his team will stand by its racers. "We are satisfied with our current driver pairing and our aim is to give them competitive material," he added.
