Audi to acquire majority stake at Sauber F1 team

Audi is set to make an official announcement as soon as F1 returns from its summer break for the Belgium Grand Prix.

According to media reports, Audi is said to acquire a majority stake in the Sauber F1 team, which currently uses Ferrari-sourced engines while having Alfa Romeo as its title sponsor. The acquisition is part of the Volkswagen Group's plan to enter the pinnacle of motorsport with its Porsche & Audi brands from 2026.

Reports state that Audi beat Andretti Global, which was also looking to acquire the Sauber F1 team. The German carmaker is said to have made a higher monetary offer for a small percentage of the ownership stake. By taking over the majority stake, Audi plans to build the F1 car chassis at the team's facility in Hunwil, while the engine will be manufactured in Germany by Audi themselves.

Audi CEO, Markus Duesmann is said to have been one of the greatest backers of the brand's entry into F1. Duesmann himself was the head of development at BMW-Sauber between 2007-2009 and knows the Swiss Hinwil operation. Reports also state that Audi hired Adam Baker for a 'special tasks' role in end-2021. He is set to become the Managing Director of the new team. Baker has previously worked at BMW and the FIA.

According to reports, Audi is set to make an official announcement as soon as F1 returns from its summer break for the Belgium Grand Prix, which will be held between August 26th - 28th, 2022.

Source: Motorsport.com