Audi completes takeover of Sauber, Seidl to head Audi F1 Team

Rumors surrounding the arrival of Audi in F1 – or rather, the withdrawal of the Audi project – were dispelled this Friday. The brand with the rings announced this Friday the finalization of the takeover of the Sauber group. The members of the supervisory boards of Audi and the Volkswagen Group have decided to strengthen their commitment by Formula 1 and to accelerate preparations for the start of the 2026 season. Instead of the 75% initially planned, Audi ultimately plans to take a 100% stake in the Sauber group.

Oliver Hoffmann, who currently heads the technical development division, is stepping down from his position as member of the board of directors of Audi general representative by the board of directors and will therefore be responsible for the implementation of the commitment to Audi in F1 and its entry to the highest level of motorsport. Current CEO of the Sauber group, Andreas Seidl will be responsible for the implementation of the F1 project and the management of the team, which will be called Audi F1 Team in 2026. Finally, the CEO of Audi, Gernot Döllner, will take charge responsible for the Technical Development division in addition to its current responsibilities

Audi withdrawal rumors end

As a reminder, Audi announced in 2022 its arrival in Formula 1 in 2026 – coinciding with the introduction of new engine regulations – by taking control of Sauber, which races under the Stake F1 Team name this season. However, since the announcement, the Audi project has been at the center of withdrawal rumors, in particular because of the numerous changes in the management of the brand with the rings.

“I would like to thank the entire technical development team for the excellent performances achieved in recent years, said Oliver Hoffmann. Motorsport, especially F1, is my great passion. I am convinced that by consolidating responsibilities and taking over 100% of the Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026. I am pleased that we have been able to secure the services of Andreas Seidl as CEO of the Audi F1 Team. He is exactly the right man for our ambitious plan. With his extensive experience gained in management positions at the manufacturer and within the Formula 1 team, he will make a significant contribution to Audi's Formula 1 project. »

Andreas Seidl and Audi will now have to create a link between the Neuburg-on-the-Danube factory where the next power unit is designed, and Hinwil, in Switzerland, where the factory team will be located on the Sauber premises. “I thank Gernot Döllner and Oliver Hoffmann for their trust and look forward to leading Audi in Formula 1 with a highly motivated team as CEO of the Audi F1 Team, rejoices the German leader. We have a clear roadmap on how we want to become competitive in Hinwil and Neuburg. We have ambitious goals. Their implementation is underway and will be further accelerated by the complete takeover of Sauber by Audi. »

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