Official: Sauber F1 to be Audi factory team in 2026
Audi to acquire stake in Sauber Group
Audi's path to the Formula One grid in 2026 has just been set in stone - the German manufacturer is officially partnering with long-time Swiss F1 customer team Sauber Motorsport from 2026 onwards.
Following the announcement of Audi's Formula One entry during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, many were already expecting a partnership between the two brands. Now that it is official, Sauber will once again become a semi-works team in 2026, the first since they last teamed up with BMW in 2009.
In Audi's case who's taking advantage of the new engine formula for 2026, they can now work hand-in-hand with a Formula One team with a wealth of experience and state-of-the-art wind tunnel facilities to begin their F1 project. Audi will build the power unit in their Neuburg Motorsport Competence Center, while the Formula One chassis will be made at Sauber's Hinwil headquarters.
“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project. 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 Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development at AUDI AG.
The announcement also highlights Audi's plans to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group to further strengthen its ties as a works team.
Competing under the Alfa Romeo Racing name since 2019, Sauber's title sponsorship deal with the Italian brand is set to end next year. Meanwhile, the team will continue to use Ferrari power units in 2024 and 2025.
The last time Sauber became a semi-works team with BMW, the Swiss team managed to finish runner-up in the constructors' championship in the 2007 season behind Ferrari, after McLaren was disqualified in the teams' championship due to the spygate scandal. They had another successful season in 2008 before BMW pulled out at the end of 2009 due to the global financial crisis.
