In a recent development, sources have revealed that Audi is reportedly planning to completely takeover Swiss Formula One team Sauber before making its official entry into the world of F1 in 2026. The German car brand already has a minority stake in Sauber, acquired in January of 2023, and had previously planned to increase it to 70 per cent.
Audi’s entry into F1 is eagerly awaited by many, with news of its plans to enter the pinnacle of motorsport initially breaking in 2022. With a change in CEO from Markus Duesmann to Gernot Dollner, there may have been a shift in plans as well. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources, Audi is looking at acquiring complete control of Sauber, currently owned by investment firm Longbow Finance.
In the current F1 season, Sauber marked its return as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu as its main racers. With the global popularity of F1 on the rise, car brands and investors are looking to gain a share of the pie. However, details about Audi’s plans remain under wraps. Dollner told German publication Handelsblatt, “There is a clear decision from the board of management and the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen that Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026. The plan is in place.”
Dollner also highlighted changes in the company’s decision-making process, stating, “We used to have a very complex landscape of committees. That is why we have now abolished an entire level of committees below the executive board. In short, we are now faster and all-important decisions are once again made by the entire executive board team.” Audi’s move to take over Sauber signals its strategic entry into the competitive world of Formula One racing.
