Following months of speculation German automotive giant Audi has officially announced it will acquire a stake in the Sauber F1 team, which currently runs as the Alfa Romeo, in 2026.
Audi, who earlier this year announced that they would be joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026 when the sport moves to use 100% sustainable fuels, will use Sauber as a strategic partner with the Volkswagen subsidiary also acquiring a stake in the Hinwil-based F1 outfit.
The tie-up will essentially see Audi building and designing their engines in their Neuburg factory, while Sauber will build and design the race car.
“Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group,” Finn Rausing the chairman of Sauber’s board said in an official press statement.
“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.”
A move that could help Sauber challenge at the front
Sauber team principal Fredrick Vasseur highlighted what an honor it was to represent such a historic brand.
The Frenchman also believes the partnership could help the team challenge the front runners.
“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,” Vasseur added in the press statement
“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 1.”
Audi hails state of the art facility
Audi boss Oliver Hoffman meanwhile cited Sauber’s factory as one of the key reasons for the tie-up, believing the team’s experience and nous will help the newly formed partnership thrive.
“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” Hoffman said.
“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.”
This is the second time Sauber has been tied to a manufacturer with the team previously known as the BMW-Sauber F1 team between 2006 and 2009.
