Audi Motorsport has announced Sauber as its partner to enter F1 from the 2026 season as together they will run as a factory outfit.
Having announced its entry in F1 from the 2026 season with brand new power units, Audi has confirmed its next step by selecting Sauber Group as its strategic partner for the project. In fact, they plan to acquire a stake in the racing company.
Together Audi and Sauber will run as a factory team from 2026 onward. The power unit production and development will be based at will be created at Neuburg an der Donau, while the race car will be built in Hinwil with the Swiss company to run operations too.
Audi notes that 120 employees are already working on the power unit with the Neuburg facility is undergoing expansion in all spheres to accommodate and reach F1 level of work. The infrastructure at the German manufacturer’s site should be ready by 2023.
They are also planning to run the power unit in a F1 car in 2025 before the official debut in 2026. Until then, Sauber will use the Ferrari power units until the 2025 season, but it remains to be seen of it runs as ‘Sauber’ for the brief years when Alfa Romeo leaves.
Finn Rausing, Sauber Holding AG Chairman of the Board of Directors: “Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group,” said Sauber’s Finn Rausing. “It is clear that we share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common goals in a strong and successful partnership.”
At the same time, Frederic Vasseur, stated: “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid. To become Audi’s official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility: it’s the best option for the future and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for their journey in Formula One.”
While, Audi’s Oliver Hoffmann, noted: “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.”
And Adam Baker added: “Sauber is a first-class partner for the use of the Audi Power Unit. We are looking forward to working with an experienced team that has helped shape many eras of Formula 1 history. Together, we want to write the next chapter starting in 2026.”
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