Audi prepares to formalize its entry into F1

The validation of the 2026 engine regulations by the World Motor Sport Council has removed the last obstacles within the Volkswagen Group, and a burst of announcements should follow in the coming weeks, or even the coming days. So we thought that the first would concern the alliance of Porsche with Red Bull Racing the details of which have been settled for a long time already, it could be that Audi will finally be the first manufacturer to formalize its entry into the world championship. This Friday, August 26, the German manufacturer teased the announcement on its Twitter account…

More rings are coming. Watch this space…#Audi #news #automotive #FutureIsAnAttitude pic.twitter.com/IJyqeVV3L1

- Audi Sport (@audisport) August 26

An announcement is expected this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, on the sidelines of the Belgian Grand Prix, which should be made in two stages with, in a first movement, the confirmation of its investment in F1, then the revelation of the choice of its partner team in a second. A choice that is no longer in doubt…

Audi soon associated with Sauber?

After the failure of negotiations with McLaren, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann was left with three options: Williams, Aston Martin and Sauber. It is ultimately the Swiss structure which will serve as the backbone of the F1 offensive of the brand with the rings. Finn Rausing, owner of Sauber, who ended up declining last year the takeover offer from the Andretti clan, accepted that of Audi which allows it, it was an essential condition, to keep one foot in the team via a minority shareholding.

After BMW, Sauber should collaborate with Audi. ©DPPI/G. The wind

Therefore, regarding the functioning of the alliance, we can imagine an arrangement similar to what was done with BMW between 2006 and 2009, under the name "BMW Sauber", period during which Markus Duesmann held the position responsible for the development of the German-Swiss structure. It is in Hinwill that the chassis will be built and developed while the power unit should benefit from brand new installations in Germany. We will know more during the announcement formalizing the acquisition of Sauber.

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