Audi has announced a complete takeover of the Sauber Group ahead of the brand’s entry into the Formula One scheme in 2026. Members of the Supervisory Boards of Audi AG and Volkswagen AG have now decided to strengthen the commitment to Formula 1 and accelerate the preparations for the start of the 2026 season.
The German marque created ripples in the motorsports arena when it announced in 2022 its entry into the F1 racing scene as a power unit supplier and partner with Sauber– one of the longest-standing teams in Formula 1. At that time, Audi decided to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group AG.
However, now it seems the luxury car brand will take complete control with a 100% stake in the Swiss racing team. A corresponding agreement has been reached with the current majority shareholder Islero Investments AG, which fully supports the change.
Change in Audi leadership
Oliver Hoffmann has taken over responsibility for Audi’s Formula 1 commitment and becomes Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Sauber Group. In connection with this, Hoffmann will step down as a Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG. Andreas Seidl has become CEO, and thus the official face, of the Audi F1 Team. Audi say Seidl will oversee the running of the Formula 1 project
Audi CEO— Gernot Döllner— will take charge of the Technical Development division in addition to his existing responsibilities. This reshuffle is aimed at strengthening the Audi brand on the global stage and ensuring close collaboration between motorsports and series production.
Prior to this development, Sauber’s F1 presence ran under the Alfa Romeo moniker before the Italian company departed the grid at the end of last year in light of the impending Sauber-Audi partnership. The Hinwil-based squad is now operating as the Stake F1 Team before transitioning to a fully-fledged Audi works team in 2026.
