Audi to partner with Sauber for Formula 1 entry
Sauber will become the Audi factory team from 2026 as the German brand enters Formula 1.
A concept image from the launch of Audi’s Formula 1 project. (Audi)
Following the announcement of its Formula 1 entry at the end of August, Audi has announced it will partner with Sauber and acquire a stake in the Sauber group
“We are delighted to have such a competent and experienced partner for our Formula 1 project,” said Oliver Hoffmann, part of Audi’s Board for Technical Development.
Power unit development will take place at Audi’s Motorsport Competence Centre in Neuburg an der Donau, with Sauber to develop and manufacture the race car at its base in Hinwil, Switzerland.
“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.,” said Hoffmann.
Audi says more than 120 employees are already developing a power unit at their Neuburg centre, with the facility to be expanded by 2023 to cater for the F1 project.
The brand officially announced their involvement in the sport after agreement was reached on the 2026 power regulations, which will increase the power of the electric drivetrain in a renewed focus on sustainability.
Sauber, the Swiss F1 stalwart, was founded in 1970 by Peter Sauber, and partnered with Mercedes-Benz in their early years in Formula 1.
They served as the BMW factory team from 2006-2009, and their current partnership with Alfa Romeo began in 2018, becoming a full factory team for the Italian brand in 2019.
