After months of speculation, Audi has finally confirmed that they will enter Formula One with Swiss-based Sauber as their strategic partner from 2026 onwards.
Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Audi confirmed on Wednesday they will enter Formula 1 in 2026 as a power unit supplier for the Swiss-based Sauber. They are also planning to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group, but no details have been given yet.
Stefano Domenicali, the President and CEO of F1 also welcomed the plans, saying:
“It is great news to hear that Audi will have a partnership with Sauber for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The combination of those two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport. It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the belief in our strategy to further grow and enhance the sport while delivering on our sustainability plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in the cars in 2026. We look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the team’s first race.”
MEDIAINFO: Audi selects Sauber as strategic partner for Formula 1 entry
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— Audi Sport (@audisport) October 26, 2022
Audi already declared their plans to enter the series back in August. F1 will adopt new regulations in 2026 to increase electrical power and use 100% sustainable fuels. Although it was not revealed which team Audi would join at the time, it was widely expected that Sauber would be the German manufacturer’s partner.
A Period of Transition
Sauber has been racing under the Alfa Romeo name since 2019. However, the partnership will conclude at the end of the 2023 season. The Swiss team will revert to its Sauber identity while continuing to use Ferrari power units for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. They will relaunch with Audi engines in 2026.
Audi AG Board Member, Oliver Hoffmann will over the F1 program as a member of the Audi AG Board. Hoffman stated,
“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project. We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.”
The power unit will be created at Audi’s Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg in Germany. Sauber will develop and manufacture the race car at its site in Hinwil, Switzerland. Sauber will also be responsible for planning and executing the race operations. Finn Rausing, Chairman of Sauber Holding said,
“Audi is the best partner for the Sauber Group. It is clear that both companies share the same values and vision. We are looking forward to achieving our common goals with a strong and successful partnership.”
Adam Baker, the Managing Director of the F1 project, added:
“We are looking forward to working with an experienced team that has helped shape many eras of Formula 1 history.”
With Audi and Sauber joining forces in 2026, where will that leave fellow Volkswagen brand Porsche? The company is yet to confirm the identity of the F1 team it may invest in after a deal with Red Bull fell through. The latest rumor is that Porsche could be interested in buying 50% of the Williams F1 team.
