Audi will be driving in Formula 1 from 2026. They are currently building their own engine for this and are gradually taking over the majority of the Sauber racing team. Audi completed the first transaction at the start of the year.
The takeover of the Swiss F1 racing team takes place in three portions. Audi took the first step towards this in January 2023. As the Sauber Group announced on Monday (January 30), the German premium manufacturer has acquired a minority stake in the company. In the press release, Sauber does not provide any specific information. But unofficially there is talk of a share of 25 percent for the time being.
Audi's plan is to gradually increase this stake until 2025 in order to ultimately hold 75 percent of the Sauber Group. Then the premium brand will call the shots in Hinwil, Switzerland. "The strategic partners" will build the Formula 1 racing cars with the four rings there from 2026. The engine for the premier class is built in Neuburg an der Donau in Bavaria. The remaining 25 percent of the Sauber racing team should remain in the possession of the current owner, Finn Rausing.
Still engines from Ferrari
Audi has set itself ambitious goals for the F1 project. The manufacturer wants to be competitive within three years of entering the premier class. To do this, you have to expand the Hinwil site in the coming years and invest properly in modernization. It needs more manpower and even better tools to strengthen the development department and speed up the production of vehicle parts.
Andreas Seidl, the new strong man at Sauber as CEO, is entrusted with these tasks. With Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the former McLaren race director installed a "quasi-team boss" who runs the day-to-day business at the racetrack. Until Audi takes over, Sauber will continue to be an engine customer. The racing team is currently being supplied by Ferrari. There will be a cooperation with Alfa Romeo in the coming season. The carmaker from the FCA group will withdraw as the title sponsor of Sauber at the end of 2023.
