Sauber become as Audi factory F1 team from 2026

The German Automotive gain Volkswagen Group finally confirmed that their Audi brand will race with Sauber F1 as an engine supplier from 2026 F1 season.

This is first new engine manufacturer entry into the Formula One world championship 2016. New PU will be designed with a superior focus on electrical power, while the Internal Combustion Engine will run with 100% sustainable fuels. Audi will also acquire a share in Sauber, too, but the details are still being ironed out.

“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

“We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.” For example, Audi Sport has already regularly used the Sauber Group’s high-tech wind tunnel in Hinwil, just under four hours away by car, during the successful Le Mans era and during the development of the Class 1 touring car for the DTM.

“Audi is the best partner for the Sauber Group,” says Finn Rausing, Chairman of Sauber Holding.

“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.”

Development of the power unit, which consists of an electric motor, battery, control systems and a combustion engine, is already in full swing at the facility of the specially founded Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg an der Donau. More than 120 employees are already working on the project. “Sauber is a first-class partner for the use of the Audi Power Unit,” says Adam Baker, managing director of the company.

“We are looking forward to working with an experienced team that has helped shape many eras of Formula 1 history. Together, we want to write the next chapter starting in 2026.”