Sauber will race as Audi Factory Team from 2026 F1 season onwards.
Confirmation of this strategic partnership will see Sauber switch from running under their current guise of Alfa Romeo to Audi upon conclusion of 2025 season, plus comes just months after Audi announced their intention to join F1 as a power unit supplier.
Sauber will also conclude their power unit partnership with Ferrari upon conclusion of 2025 season.
“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” commented Oliver Hoffmann who is a Member of the Board for Technical Development at Audi.
This isn’t the first time that Audi and Sauber have collaborated on projects together – including use of Sauber’s wind tunnel during their time in Le Mans, with Hoffmann convinced that both Audi and Sauber can “form a strong team.”
Sauber Chairman, Finn Rausing added that both they and Audi “share the same values and vision” to progress forward together with “common goals” between them both on what they want to achieve together in F1.
Audi have already commmenced development on their power unit ahead of changes to F1 regulations in 2026, which will be created in Neuberg an der donau, Germany, at Audi’s Motorsport Competence Center with over 120 employees already working on the project.
Audi Managing Director, Adam Baker added that Sauber are “a first-class partner” befitting of use of Audi’s F1 Power Unit, as he can’t wait to begin working with the “experienced team” who have enjoyed various successes in F1 over the years.
Audi added that they have planned an “ambitious” timetable up to the opening race of 2026 season, including an expansion of their factory which is set to be completed in 2023 with more buildings and technical infrastructure plus personnel.
First tests with their 2026 power unit in a F1 test car are currently scheduled to take place in 2025 based on their timetable in creating and ensuring the power unit is ready in time for 2026.
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