Audi F1 has officially confirmed its complete takeover of the Sauber team, paving the way for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The announcement comes just under a year before the German manufacturer makes its debut in the sport's new era.
The initial plan for Audi was to procure a 75 percent stake in Sauber. However, an updated strategy revealed in March 2022 aimed for a full acquisition. This vision has now become a reality, with Audi stating that the purchase was finalized ahead of the 2025 season. "Closing was concluded in January, as planned. Audi now is the 100 percent owner of Sauber Holding AG, the mother company of the team," said a spokesperson for Audi.
This major milestone is coupled with financial implications, as the deal is believed to be valued around €600 million. Interestingly, prior to this full takeover, Audi had established a minority stake in the F1 team in November 2023, selling approximately 30 percent to Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
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The Qatar Grand Prix weekend highlighted Sauber's progress, as driver Zhou Guanyu achieved the team's only points in the 2024 season with an impressive eighth-place finish. With Zhou and Valtteri Bottas exiting at the end of the last season, Audi F1 has announced an all-new driver lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg along with Gabriel Bortoleto, who recently claimed the F2 championship.
In another development, Audi F1 is set to welcome its new team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, earlier than originally expected. Appointed last summer after a successful period at Red Bull, Wheatley was slated to join in the summer but is now anticipated to start in April. "We are thrilled to have Jonathan on board and are confident in his leadership abilities to guide our new chapter in F1," said an Audi representative.
This news comes closely on the heels of the announcement regarding Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who had taken a crucial leadership role at Sauber during the transition. Reflecting on Alunni Bravi’s contributions, Sauber chief Mattia Binotto commented, "Having worked closely with him in the months since my arrival to Hinwil, I want to pay tribute to Alessandro, a true team player who came to embody the essence of Sauber throughout the years."
Alunni Bravi, whose tenure included navigating turbulent and successful times, expressed his gratitude while leaving. "It is an emotional time as my journey with Sauber reaches its end. Since I joined in 2017, I have seen this team grow and change beyond what anyone could have imagined," he noted. His departure marks a significant transition for the team as it moves toward its future under Audi’s stewardship.
With exciting developments and a strategic reshaping underway, the upcoming F1 seasons promise substantial changes not only for Audi but also for the entire grid, leading into the substantial regulatory updates anticipated in 2026. As Audi F1 prepares for its inaugural race, the combination of a new ownership structure and a fresh driver lineup suggests a dynamic emergence in the F1 landscape.
The significance of these transitions cannot be underestimated in an already competitive environment. With Audi committed to its vision, the future of the sport appears poised for transformation, marking a high-stakes period for all teams involved.