Sauber to become Strategic Partner
Audi, who had announced that they will be making their Formula One entry in 2026 during the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this year in August, have announced that the German brand will be buying into Swiss team Sauber and will make the team their works team from 2026 onwards.
The deal will see Sauber become the Strategic Partner of the Audi team as Audi prepares to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group. Audi had already announced that they will be making their entry as power unit manufacturer and while the Sauber team (racing under the Alfa Romeo brand currently) will continue to use Ferrari power units till 2025, the team will make the switch to Audi power units in 2026.
Finn Rausing, Sauber Holding AG Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented,
“Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group. It is clear that we share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common goals in a strong and successful partnership.”
Frédéric Vasseur, Sauber Motorsport CEO & Team Principal, added,
“The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid. To become Audi’s official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility: it’s the best option for the future and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for their journey in Formula One.”
Oliver Hoffmann, Audi AG Board Member and Responsible for F1 Programme, said,
“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.”
Adam Baker, Managing Director, Audi, said,
“Sauber is a first-class partner for the use of the Audi Power Unit. We are looking forward to working with an experienced team that has helped shape many eras of Formula One history. Together, we want to write the next chapter starting in 2026.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One, added,
“It is great news to hear that Audi will have a partnership with Sauber for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The combination of those two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport. It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the belief in our strategy to further grow and enhance the sport while delivering on our sustainability plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in the cars in 2026. We look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the team’s first race.”
Audi has also stated that they will be developing their power unit at their Neuburg base in Germany, while Sauber will develop the race car at Hinwil, Switzerland. Sauber will continue to be responsible for all race operations and execution of the same.
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