Audi is excepted to make its long-awaited entry into Formulation 1 in 2026 and can be Sauber’s strategic accomplice; the Swiss constructor’s present cope with 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 can be companions for the German marque’s 2026 F1 entry
Audi’s entry into Formulation 1 has moved a step nearer after the German automotive producer acquired a minority stake in Sauber.
The acquisition comes three months after Sauber confirmed they might grow to be Audi’s strategic accomplice when the German marque enters Formulation 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 Formulation One, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group would be the German model’s strategic accomplice,” Sauber stated in a press release.
Sauber will run with Ferrari energy models in 2024 and 2025, earlier than Audi steps in.
Talking in October, then-Sauber group principal Frederic Vasseur described the partnership because the “most suitable choice for the longer term”.
“To grow to be Audi’s official works group isn’t solely an honour and a fantastic accountability, it is the best choice for the longer term and we’re totally assured we might help Audi obtain the targets they’ve set for his or her journey in Formulation 1,” he stated.
Andreas Seidl has taken up the position 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 had been the “finest strategic accomplice” for the corporate.
The objective now can be to return to at the least the higher midfield.
Sauber, who first debuted in Formulation 1 in 1993, partnered with Alfa Romeo in 2018 however have nonetheless been working at a smaller funds than practically all of their rivals, and have been in direction of the again of the grid since.
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Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz gave his explanation why he thinks Fred Vasseur is an effective group 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 function elevated electrical energy and 100 per cent sustainable fuels.
“We’re delighted to have gained such an skilled and competent accomplice for our bold Formulation 1 undertaking,” stated Audi board member Oliver Hoffman, who’s accountable for the F1 programme at company degree.
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In a press release despatched to Sky Sports activities, an Audi spokesperson stated this can be 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 position below Seidl, which can see him tackle media duties through the 2023 seasons.
Alunni Bravi who can be managing director of the Sauber Group that runs the Swiss-based group, has been given the official title of group 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 group on account of race as Audi from 2026.
Audi confirmed in August they might be coming into Formulation 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 Purple Bull however nonetheless retain an F1 curiosity.