Audi has made no secret of its desire to compete in Formula One by 2026. The automaker has taken a step toward that goal by acquiring a stake in the Sauber Formula One team.
Sauber announced the purchase on Monday, describing it as a minority stake. In order to gain more control of the team, Audi could gradually increase its stake in the run-up to its 2026 entry.
Sauber currently competes in Formula One as Alfa Romeo, but the automaker announced last August that their partnership would end after the 2023 season.
Audi first announced its intentions to enter Formula One in August of last year, and confirmed Sauber as its factory team two months later, after F1 proposed new sustainability measures which are set to apply as from 2026. Sauber, based in Hinwil, Switzerland, will be in charge of the development and production of the team’s F1 car. Sauber will also be in charge of race operations planning and execution. Audi, on the other hand, will be in charge of the power unit, taking over from the previous supplier, Ferrari.
Porsche, Audi’s sister company (both owned by Volkswagen), also wants to enter Formula One and has been in talks with Red Bull Racing, though the talks ended in September without a deal being reached. Porsche has stated that it is still interested in competing in Formula One if the right opportunity arises.