Audi name first driver to join team ahead of 2026 F1 entry, he’s not Fernando Alonso’s biggest fan

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Audi have named Swiss veteran Neel Jani as the first driver to join the team ahead of their Formula 1 entry in 2026.

A press release confirmed that the 39-year-old would be joining the team as their simulation driver.

Asked about the decision, Audi board member Oliver Hoffmann said: “Just like in production development, simulation plays a major role in our Formula 1 project.

“Our simulator is an important tool for the power unit development.

“It requires a development driver who in addition to a grasp of technology brings versatile experience to the project, especially in terms of energy management in racing conditions.”

It’s been a long time since a new team joined the F1 grid, although more cars aren’t expected to be racing in 2026.

Audi have acquired a minority stake in Sauber and they will become their works team when they join Formula 1.

It’s unlikely that their two racing drivers will be announced for some time.

However, Jani will now play a key role as the simulation driver at Audi in developing the car.

How well he performs may determine the calibre of racer they can attract in a couple of years.

Audi announce Jani as simulation driver

Speaking about his new role at Audi, Jani said: “I am delighted to accompany Audi on their way into Formula 1.

“It is both an honour and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage.

“I am sure that with my experience from Formula 1 and LMP projects, I can forge good links between theory and practice.”

Jani has never raced in Formula 1 but was a test driver for Toro Rosso back in 2006.

He has raced against some of the drivers currently on the grid, including Fernando Alonso.

Jani disagreed with the legendary Spaniard back in 2018 over the quality of their cars in Le Mans.

Asked about Alonso’s comments at the time, Jani said: “Andre [Lotterer] has done every race of this championship, and I have been in this championship also since the beginning.

“I think it’s fair to say we can assess the situation ourselves pretty well, and we don’t quite agree with that.”

Jani will hope in his role as their simulation driver he can help Audi hit the ground running in Formula 1.

One current racer on the grid has already been tipped to join the team once they join the action in a few years.