Audi has officially pledged to acquire the Sauber Formula One team in its entirety. A recent agreement with Sauber solidifies Audi's position as the primary team for the Swiss-based Formula 1 outfit starting in 2026. Notably, Audi had previously disclosed plans to enter the F1 arena as a power unit provider, aligning with forthcoming regulations set to introduce enhanced electrical power and entirely sustainable fuels within the next four years.

Audi's Take Over Sauber

Based on a SportsPro's report, the Volkswagen Group subsidiary initially acquired a 25% stake in the Swiss team at the beginning of 2023, aiming to increase this share to 75% by 2026. Nevertheless, Bloomberg revealed last month that Audi's approach had transitioned to a complete acquisition of the team.

Andreas Seidl, who departed from McLaren to take on the position of chief executive at Sauber Group in 2023, is set to undertake the identical role within the new Audi team. Audi also stated that Seidl would be responsible for managing the Formula One project and serving as the 'public representative of the forthcoming Audi Formula One Team'.

Furthermore, Oliver Hoffmann, who currently leads Audi's technical department, will assume responsibility for Audi's Formula One involvement and will be appointed as the chairman of the board of directors of Sauber Group. In his capacity as a general representative, he will supervise the stake in the Swiss team, oversee the development of Audi's new power unit, and manage the 'strategic guidance and execution of the program by Audi'.

Hoffmann expressed that Formula One is his significant passion and he firmly believes that by consolidating responsibilities and acquiring 100% of Sauber Group, they will enhance their preparations for the launch in 2026. He also conveyed his satisfaction in securing the services of Andreas Seidl as Audi F1 Team CEO, emphasizing that Seidl's extensive experience in leadership roles within manufacturers and Formula One teams will make a substantial contribution to Audi's Formula One project.

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As per F1's website, Hoffmann possesses extensive experience in motorsport, previously serving as the Head of Audi Sport. During his tenure, he supervised victories and championships in DTM and Formula E on the international stage. Additionally, under his leadership, Audi achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first manufacturer to win the renowned Dakar Rally with an electrified drivetrain earlier this year.

Initial Report: 2026 Audi to Officially Enter F1

As shared in 2022 Car and Driver report, Audi formally declared its plans to compete in the premier open-wheel motorsport championship. That was a little more than a week after Formula 1 accepted new engine limits that will go into effect in 2026.Audi has stated that it plans to start producing engines for the 2026 Formula One (F1) season. Such coincides with the introduction of these new engine regulations. This will be the first F1 powertrain built in Germany in over ten years when Audi develops its power unit at the Audi Sport plant in Neuburg.

Audi will provide powertrains to a team, but it will not start its own racing squad. The brand announced that it will disclose the exact organization it intends to collaborate with by the end of 2022. This team most likely will be Sauber, since Sauber recently declared that it would be terminating its technical and commercial partnership with Alfa Romeo following the 2023 season.

 

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