Audi is excepted to make its long-awaited entry into Components 1 in 2026 and might be Sauber’s strategic companion; the Swiss constructor’s present take care of Alfa Romeo is up on the finish of the 2023 season, and it’ll use Ferrari energy models in 2024 and 2025.
By Amar Mehta
Final Up to date: 30/01/23 11:40am
Audi and Sauber might be companions for the German marque’s 2026 F1 entry
Audi’s entry into Components 1 has moved a step nearer after the German automobile producer acquired a minority stake in Sauber.
The acquisition comes three months after Sauber confirmed they’d grow to be Audi’s strategic companion when the German marque enters Components 1 in 2026.
The Swiss constructor’s present partnership with Alfa Romeo will finish after the approaching season.
“This is a vital milestone on the best way to Audi’s entry in Components One, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group would be the German model’s strategic companion,” Sauber mentioned in an announcement.
Sauber will run with Ferrari energy models in 2024 and 2025, earlier than Audi steps in.
Talking in October, then-Sauber workforce principal Frederic Vasseur described the partnership because the “most suitable choice for the long run”.
“To grow to be Audi’s official works workforce isn’t solely an honour and a terrific duty, it is the most suitable choice for the long run and we’re totally assured we will help Audi obtain the goals they’ve set for his or her journey in Components 1,” he mentioned.
Andreas Seidl has taken up the function of chief government at Sauber
On January 14, Andreas Seidl changed Vasseur as Sauber’s chief government after the latter joined Ferrari, and can oversee Audi’s entry into F1.
It’s Sauber’s second full works settlement after their link-up with BMW within the 2000s, with proprietor Finn Rausing insisting Audi have been the “greatest strategic companion” for the corporate.
The aim now might be to return to at the very least the higher midfield.
Sauber, who first debuted in Components 1 in 1993, partnered with Alfa Romeo in 2018 however have nonetheless been working at a smaller finances than practically all of their rivals, and have been in the direction of the again of the grid since.
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Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz gave his the reason why he thinks Fred Vasseur is an efficient workforce principal appointment for Ferrari
A link-up with Audi will definitely assist their trigger, with the carmaker growing engines from their German base, and the chassis nonetheless anticipated to be developed at Sauber’s Switzerland base.
The brand new era of F1 engines will characteristic elevated electrical energy and 100 per cent sustainable fuels.
“We’re delighted to have gained such an skilled and competent companion for our formidable Components 1 mission,” mentioned Audi board member Oliver Hoffman, who’s chargeable for the F1 programme at company stage.
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In an announcement despatched to Sky Sports activities, an Audi spokesperson mentioned it is a “key milestone” for the German’s F1 entry in 2026.
“As a part of the acquisition, Julius Seebach joined the Sauber board of administrators because the official consultant of the AUDI AG,” the assertion added.
Final week, it was introduced that Alessandro Alunnni Bravi would take up a senior management function beneath Seidl, which can see him tackle media duties throughout the 2023 seasons.
Alunni Bravi who can also be managing director of the Sauber Group that runs the Swiss-based workforce, has been given the official title of workforce consultant.
Sauber compete as Alfa Romeo in what’s successfully a title sponsorship with the Stellantis-owned model. That deal is because of finish after the 2023 season with the workforce resulting from race as Audi from 2026.
Audi confirmed in August they’d be getting into Components 1 in 4 years as an influence unit provider and had been beforehand linked with a partnership with McLaren.
Fellow Volkswagen model Porsche, in the meantime, noticed a deal fall via with Pink Bull however nonetheless retain an F1 curiosity.