In a bold move that accelerates their commitment to Formula 1, the German automotive giant Audi has decided to take full ownership of the Swiss racing team Sauber. This 100% takeover comes ahead of Audi’s highly anticipated entry into the pinnacle of motorsport in 2026.
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Audi Goes All-In on Formula 1 with 100% Sauber Takeover
Last year, Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, announced its intention to join Formula 1 as a power unit supplier, coinciding with the introduction of sweeping new regulations that will feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels. They initially planned to acquire a stake in Sauber, one of the longest-standing teams in Formula 1, to facilitate their entry into the sport. However, Audi has now chosen to take complete control of the Swiss operation.
Andreas Seidl, who joined Sauber from McLaren at the start of 2023 as CEO, will take on the role of Audi F1 Team CEO. Seidl expressed his excitement, stating, “I am looking forward to leading Audi into Formula 1 together with a highly motivated team as CEO of the Audi F1 Team. We have a clear roadmap for how we want to become competitive in Hinwil as well as in Neuburg [Audi’s F1 Power Unit facility]. We have ambitious goals. Realization of them is in progress and will be further accelerated through the complete takeover of Sauber by AUDI AG.”
Oliver Hoffmann, currently heading Audi’s Technical Department, will take on a newly created position as General Representative. He will be responsible for overseeing the Formula 1 team, the development of Audi’s new Power Unit, and the strategic direction and activation of the program. Additionally, Hoffmann will become the Chairman of the Board of Directors for all Sauber companies.
Hoffmann, a passionate motorsport enthusiast, expressed his confidence in the move, stating, “Formula 1 is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100% of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026. I am pleased we were able to secure the services of Andreas Seidl as Audi F1 Team CEO. He is exactly the right man for our ambitious plan. Thanks to his broad experience from leadership roles on the manufacturer and Formula 1 team side, he will make a significant contribution to Audi’s Formula 1 project.”
Hoffmann brings substantial motorsport experience to the table, having previously served as the Head of Audi Sport, where he oversaw international wins and championships in DTM and Formula E. Additionally, Audi became the first manufacturer to win the famous Dakar Rally with an electrified drivetrain earlier this year under his leadership.
With this full takeover of Sauber, Audi is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for its highly anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026. By acquiring complete control over the Swiss team’s operations and infrastructure, Audi aims to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact on the sport, leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals like Seidl and Hoffmann.
