Audi and Sauber unite for Formula One partnership from 2026

Audi and Sauber have announced their partnership in Formula One, which will see the team race as a factory entrant from 2026. Confirmation of Audi’s move into Formula One had been announced earlier this year and it was long expected that the Swiss team would become the home for the German car giant.

Wednesday’s announcement sets out the future for the Sauber team, who see their branding deal with Alfa Romeo expire at the end of 2023 and will have two further seasons with Ferrari as an engine supplier before the unification with Audi. Formula One’s engine supplier regulations have been adapted from 2026 onwards, encouraging new entrants to come forward, and Audi is among them, alongside sister company Porsche, who are looking for a partnership of their own on the grid.

Finn Rausing, the chairman of Sauber Holding, said in a statement: “Audi is the best partner for the Sauber Group. It is clear that both companies share the same values and vision. We are looking forward to achieving our common goals with a strong and successful partnership.”

The four rings of Audi will race as a factory team and a deal with Sauber makes sense given the proximity between the Swiss team’s base in Zurich and Audi’s home in Ingolstadt, with the two locations separated by a drive of just under four hours.

Audi have an established history in motorsport stretching back to the 1930s, where Auto Union, who would evolve into the current brand, dominated elite Grand Prix racing alongside Mercedes. More recent success has come in the World Endurance Championship, where Audi were 13-times winners at Le Mans before announcing their departure from the racing category this year.