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When German automotive giant Audi announced it would enter the Formula 1 grid, it made massive waves across the motorsports industry.
Audi, one of the biggest names is racing, was set to purchase a significant stake in the legendary Sauber team, which was founded by Peter Sauber in 1993 and reached its peak in 2007 with a second-place finish in the constructors championship.
But now it appears that plan has changed.
Audi To Take Full Control Of Sauber Team In 2026
Formula 1’s official website reported Friday that rather than acquire a 75 percent stake in the team, Audi has instead pivoted and opted for a complete takeover of the operation.
“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment,” Manfred Doess, chairman of the supervisory board at Audi said of the move. “Through the bundling of Oliver Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, we are accelerating our preparations for the 2026 season.”
Hoffmann currently leads the technical development division at Audi. Though he’s expected to step down from that role in order to oversee the new Formula 1 entry.
“I would like to thank the entire team at technical development for the great performance in recent years, and I am proud of the outstanding products resulting from our intensive work that we will bring to the streets in the coming months,” Hoffmann said.
“Motorsport, particularly Formula 1, is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100 percent of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026.”
Audi becomes the first new engine supplier on the F1 grid since Honda rejoined Formula 1 in 2025. Porsche was also expected to enter the sport in 2026 and partner with Red Bull Racing. But the Italian giant has since been replaced by Ford.
Ford enters as the first American engine supplier since it left the sport alongside Jaguar in 2004.
Fellow American supplier Cadillac attempted to enter the sport via a partnership with Andretti, but that entry was ultimately denied by the other F1 team.