As expected, Sauber Motorsport has agreed to become the strategic partner of Audi's F1 programme. when the German manufacturer enters F1 in 2026. Audi AG also plans to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group.

After announcing its entry into Formula One as a power unit manufacturer, to coincide with the introduction of the new engine formula in 2026, Audi has chosen Sauber Motorsport as its works team.

According to today's release, "this partnership will bring the team to new heights, guaranteeing at the same time the long-term future of the company - an entity that boasts a committed workforce, one of Europe's leading wind tunnels and world-class motorsport manufacturing facilities".

The team will compete in 2024 and 2025 with its current power unit manufacturer, Ferrari, honouring the existing partnership that enabled the team to make major steps forward in competitiveness and stability.

"Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group," said Finn Rausing, Sauber Holding AG Chairman of the Board of Directors. "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."

"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," added Frederic Vasseur, Sauber Motorsport CEO & Team Principal. "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."

"We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project," said Oliver Hoffmann, Audi AG Board Member and Responsible for F1 Programme. "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."

Meanwhile, it is looking increasingly likely that Porsche is to enter F1 with Williams, the German manufacturer - like Audi part of the Volkswagen Group - understood, according to a reliable source, to be buying a significant stake in the Grove outfit now owned by American investment firm Dorilton Capital.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 27/10/2022 3:26

"Time now for a new team to emerge in the guise of Andretti Porsche. "

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2. Posted by ZJAY, 27/10/2022 2:10

"Bravo to Liberty Media. Top notch strategy and great vision for the sport since they bought F1. This is how it is done. More big names big manufacturing pouring money and resources. Together with social media, Netflix, and new generation of fans they are going to IPO and spin off in the next 5 years. Capitalism at its best.

Definitely in the right direction versus Andretti for example.

Of the cost caps survives, which I personally hope it will not, we may have a closed field by 2026.
"

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3. Posted by Bill Hopgood, 26/10/2022 18:21

"I do wonder about the logic of big manufacturers buying into the back of the grid teams when those same teams have been around a long time with long term PU suppliers that also supply drive train and yet can't seem to progress up the grid. Couple that with a new PU supplier and it could be McLaren 2015 - 17 all over again.

I think for expedience I'll shorten the Sauber Audi name down... how about Saudi? Has a certain ring to it and could be a perfect fit for a current Aston Martin and F1 sponsor.

@Max Noble, of for a tyre war and the testing the tyre companies paid for... those were the days."

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4. Posted by Burton, 26/10/2022 12:42

"Start your own teams you wallies! How disappointing."

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 26/10/2022 12:33

"To please DTS don't we need a Ford or Chevrolet powered entry on Goodrich tires?"

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6. Posted by Greg, 26/10/2022 12:32

"Fingers crossed all works well for both teams and the VW. Group"

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7. Posted by Max Noble, 26/10/2022 10:30

"Great that we have Audi in, now for the Porsche deal to be inked… Honda never left… we just need Toyota back and we have a brilliant field! …Oh… for… a… second… tyre manufacturer… :-)

Hopefully The Audi Sauber mix will work well.

Not sure about Porsche Williams… we know how “Footworks” ended…"

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Audi partners with Sauber for 2026 F1 entry

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