The German auto industry powerhouse Audi, (Formula 1) Sauber, both stayed in the limelight for quite some time. The Swiss F1 team Sauber, will be taken over completely by Audi as they have announced. What initially began as a 25% investment in 2022, Audi increased it to 75%. And now, a 100% takeover is in the process before F1 2026. For quite a few years, Audi was on the lookout for entering F1 and their wishful thinking is turning into reality.
If you are a die-hard F1 fan looking for answers about this major takeover, here’s a breakdown of everything that you need to know. Let’s race directly into the informational pit, shall we?
Completion of Audi’s Takeover of Sauber
Audi is gradually set to complete Sauber’s takeover before the F1 season in 2026. This step-by-step process will ensure that Sauber’s daily operations go on smoothly without any delay. Before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2024, Audi gave a statement that with this takeover, they intend to “strengthen the Audi brand on the global stage”.
The Speculated Cost Involved
Audi and Sauber, both the parties involved in the deal, have not made public any figures. However, according to all the buzz and chatter from the pit, the estimated amount for the 75% investment was somewhere around £353m. So, one can assume that Sauber could be valued at roughly £470m. But due to the lucrative rise of F1, it looks like Audi might have paid far more. And even if this conjecture is accurate, Audi roped in a sweet deal as now F1 teams are valued in billions.
Team Transition and the Old Staff
After the takeover, the new team that will enter F1 will consist of a mixture of old Sauber employees and newly appointed key figures from Audi. Sauber’s CEO Andreas Seidl, who was the previous team principal for MacLaren, will maintain his position for Audi in 2026.
Along with him, the head of Audi’s technical department, Oliver Hoffmann, will preside as the general representative for the company. He will oversee the tasks that are generally under the team principal. He is also set to take on the role of chairman for the board of directors for all Sauber companies.
Sauber had a three-man organisational framework with Alessandro Alunni Bravi (team representative), Xevi Pujolar (head of track engineering) and Beat Zehnder (sporting director). All three men will likely retain their positions after the takeover. But everything will be made clear once the merger is finally complete.
Audi’s Base of Operations
Since the 1970s, Sauber has had its base in Hinwil, Switzerland. It’s a cutting-edge facility that is also equipped with a full-scale wind tunnel, courtesy of the partnership with BMW in 2011. Along with this, there is another 3000 square metre base for Audi’s takeover of Sauber in Neuberg, Germany. With about 260 employees presently working in this factory, it will zero in on enhancing Audi’s power unit.
The Engine Involved
Sauber is set to continue with its use of the Ferrari power units until 2025. However, Audi intends to enter as an F1 constructor and engine manufacturer before the 2026 season and Sauber’s rebranding.
The Man in the Cockpit for the F1 Debut
F1 fans all over the world are most curious about the man who will sit in the cockpit for the new team. People have speculated that Carlos Sainz is one of the prime candidates for the role. But since there has been no official announcement from Audi, Andreas Seidl will be on the lookout for talent in the 2024-25 F1 silly season.
When Audi announced the 100% takeover of Sauber, this major decision had many fans brewing with excitement, yet in a quandary with multiple questions. But after reading this, we hope the major doubts were clarified. Now what remains to see is how smoothly the takeover happens and the performance of the new team in the F1 2026 season.