Swiss Constructor Becomes German Carmaker’s Strategic Partner in Formula One
Audi Acquires Minority Stake in Sauber Racing Ahead of Formula 1 Debut
German automaker Audi is set to make its long-awaited debut in Formula 1 in 2026, and their entry into the sport has moved one step closer after acquiring a minority stake in Swiss racing team Sauber. The acquisition comes just three months after Sauber announced that they would be Audi’s strategic partner when the German automaker enters F1. The Swiss team’s current deal with Alfa Romeo is set to end after the 2023 season, with Sauber using Ferrari power units in 2024 and 2025 before being powered by Audi.
The purchase of the minority stake in Sauber is a key milestone in Audi’s journey into Formula 1 and marks a significant moment in the sport’s history. The Sauber team, which first debuted in F1 in 1993, has had a partnership with BMW in the 2000s and has been linked with Alfa Romeo since 2018. However, owner Finn Rausing believes that the German carmaker is the “best strategic partner” for the team, and with the acquisition, the goal is to return to at least the upper midfield.
Andreas Seidl, who replaced Frederic Vasseur as Sauber’s CEO after the latter joined Ferrari, will oversee Audi’s entry into F1. Seidl will be joined by Julius Seebach, who will serve as the official representative of Audi on the Sauber board of directors. Alessandro Alunni Bravi has also taken a senior leadership role and will serve as the team representative, taking on media duties during the 2023 seasons.
Audi’s entry into F1 will see the automaker developing engines from their German base, while the chassis will still be developed at Sauber’s Switzerland base. The new generation of F1 engines will feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels, and Audi’s involvement in the sport is seen as a major development for the industry.
In a statement sent to Sky Sports, an Audi spokesperson said that the acquisition of the minority stake in Sauber was a “key milestone” for the German automaker’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The acquisition also follows the recent news that Porsche, another brand within the Volkswagen group, saw a deal with Red Bull Racing fall through but still retains an F1 interest.
With Audi’s acquisition of a minority stake in Sauber Racing, the countdown to their entry into Formula 1 has officially begun. The partnership with Sauber is a significant step for Automaker and sets the stage for their long-awaited debut in the sport. The world of motorsports is set to be revolutionized as the German automaker brings their cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise to the F1 grid.
