Audi has purchased a minority stake in Sauber, keeping everything on track for the German manufacturer’s debut in 2026.
The purchase of the minority stake was first mentioned by Audi in October when they announced their intention to enter F1 in 2026.
The German manufacturer announced in August that they were intending to enter Formula 1, at the time Audi made no mention of a partnership with an existing team, however it was speculated that they would buy a stake in Sauber. The speculation proved correct when Audi announced in October they would enter F1 with Sauber.
A TRUE GERMAN WORKS TEAM
When Audi announced their intention to enter the F1 grid from 2026, they were quick to remind the F1 world that they would be a true German team, making a thinly veiled dig at Mercedes Formula 1 team.
Audi enters the premier class of motorsport. From 2026, the premium brand will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with a specially developed power unit. The project will be based at Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg near Ingolstadt. This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 power train will be built in Germany.
Was Audi making a cheeky dig at Mercedes?
Audi is planning to complete much of the manufacturing at their Neuburg facility, where their Dakar, DTM, Formula E and LeMans cars have been built since 2014.
EXPANSION AND RECRUITMENT
Audi has been busy for a number of months. They started work on a new building in Neuburg at the end of 2022, with the expectation that it will be completed by early 2024. This facility would house around 60 employees and hold engine test benches and mechanical workshops.
Audi does plan on having the technical infrastructure completed this year, with the plan to have a test engine ready in a mule car from 2025.
AUDI AND SAUBER WIN THE TEAM PRINCIPAL SILLY SEASON
Along with expanding their Neuburg facility, Audi has been aggressive with recruitment, hiring 200 staff by December 2022, with a target of 300 by mid-2023.
One of the more notable appointments was Andreas Seidl moving from McLaren to Sauber as the team’s CEO.
The Team Principal silly season saw several management moves, including confirmation of Fred Vassuer’s long touted move to Ferrari confirmed and Jost Capito leaving Williams, however it was Sauber (and Audi) that came out on top with the appointment of the Ex McLaren Team Principal.
ANDREAS SEIDL
Andreas Seidl has built up a respected reputation within the Formula 1 paddock, helping to bring McLaren back from the rear of the grid to a solid mid-field runner.
With the support of Zak Brown Seidl helped to bring McLaren to the top of the podium.
Andreas’s appointment to Sauber [soon to be Audi] is a welcomed appointment, having been no stranger to the Volkswagen group, having been part of Porsche’s LMP1 program.
The decision to bring in Seidl, was changed after Ferrari appointed Fred Vassuer to replace Mattia Binotto as Team Principal for the 2023 season. It was expected that Andreas Seidl.
Sauber and McLaren came to an agreement to allow Seidl to move early to assist the transition to Audi in 2026.
The Audi takeover has begun, 2026 can’t come quick enough.