Audi has acquired a minority stake in its strategic partner for its entry into Formula 1.
The Sauber Group, which currently controls the operations of the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, has announced that Audi has entered its shareholding through the purchase of a “minority stake” in the company. This transaction is part of Audi’s plans to enter the premier class from the 2026 season.
Audi continues to take steps to start its journey in the premier category of motorsports in three years. The purpose of the German company was announced last year, and subsequently, the foundations of what will be its first participation in the championship have been laid, coinciding with the launch of a new engine regulation that will give more weight to the electrical part. .
One of those steps was the agreement with the Sauber Group as a strategic partner for its entry into Formula 1, which has now been reinforced with the purchase of a “minority stake” in the company. According to the rumors in recent months, this participation would grow over the next few years.
“The Sauber Group is pleased to announce that, in accordance with the plans outlined in October last year, Audi acquired a minority stake in the Sauber Group in January 2023. This is an important milestone on Audi’s path to entry. in Formula 1, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group will be the strategic partner of the German brand,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Audi is already developing its power unit for 2026 at its renovated facilities in Neuburg (Germany). For this, the brand has already hired more than 200 employees and expects to exceed 300 in the coming months.
On the other hand, Sauber, at its headquarters in Hinwil (Switzerland) will be in charge of the design, manufacture and development of the single-seater where the four Audi rings will appear for the first time. At the helm of the company will be Andreas Seidl, former Porsche LMP1 team principal and McLaren F1, who has recently been hired.
Interestingly, the Sauber team – now with a minority stake in Audi – continues to compete in Formula 1 with the logos of Alfa Romeo, which has already announced the end of its sponsorship agreement by the end of 2023.