Audi confirms F1 entry as works team with Sauber for 2026

The news comes as no surprise as earlier in the year, Audi announced its intention to enter F1 in 2026 as a power unit supplier.

Sauber have been heavily linked with a takeover, with the Swiss outfit now confirming that they have Audi will buy a stake in the company, although no details have been given yet.

From 2026, Audi will enter F1 as a works team - similar to Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and Alpine - building their own cars, while running their own power unit.

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Manufacturing of the car will continue to take place in Hinwil, Switzerland - Sauber’s current base, while the creation of Audi’s 2026 power unit will be at Audi’s Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg.

Speaking of the announcement, Oliver Hoffmann, member of the board for technical development at Audi, said: “We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious F1 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.”

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Current team boss Frederic Vasseur 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 F1.”

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1 said: “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.”

Sauber's current title sponsorship with Alfa Romeo will end at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

They will continue to run Ferrari engines until the end of 2025.