F1: Audi to completely takeover Sauber team before 2026 entry

Andreas Seidl will oversee the entire Audi F1 project and act as the "face of the Audi Formula1 Team."

Back in 2022, Audi confirmed their entry into Formula One. The carmaker stated that they would join the sport as a power unit supplier from 2026, after the announcement of the new regulations.

Back then, Audi announced that they would partner with the Sauber F1 team by acquiring a stake in the Sauber Group. However, now ahead of its 2026 entry, Audi has expanded its commitment to the sport with a 100% takeover of the F1 team. The new Audi F1 team will have Andreas Seidl as their CEO, who joined Sauber from McLaren in 2023. Audi stated that Seidl will oversee the entire F1 project and act as the "face of the Audi Formula1 Team."

Speaking about the new development, Andreas Seidl, stated, "I am looking forward to leading Audi into Formula 1 together with a highly motivated team as CEO of the Audi F1 Team. We have a clear roadmap for how we want to become competitive in Hinwil as well as in Neuburg." He added, "We have ambitious goals. Realisation of them is in progress and will be further accelerated through the complete takeover of Sauber by AUDI AG."

Audi also stated that Oliver Hoffman, who is currently the head of the brand's Technical department, will move to a newly-created position called "General Representative". He will look after seamlessly bringing together the Formula 1 team and the development of the Audi Power Unit. Hoffman will also be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of all Sauber companies.

Source: F1