HINWIL, Switzerland –
German producer Audi has chosen Formula One team Sauber as its manufacturing unit works team when it enters the racing sequence in 2026.
Sauber stated in an announcement on Wednesday that Audi additionally plans to purchase a stake in the Sauber Group, though no monetary particulars on the shareholding or the timing of it got.
It was not instantly clear if Audi will run its personal team or solely provide engines to Switzerland-based Sauber.
“To change into Audi’s official works team shouldn’t be solely an honour and an incredible duty,” Sauber F1 team principal Frederic Vasseur stated. “It’s the best choice for the longer term and we’re totally assured we might help Audi obtain the aims they’ve set for their journey in Formula One.”
Sauber’s title sponsorship with Alfa Romeo finishes on the finish of subsequent 12 months. The team is in sixth place in the 10-team constructors’ championship, however is just one level forward of Aston Martin with three races left this season.
Audi introduced in August that it was coming into F1 as an influence unit provider in 2026 in line with new engine rules, and was broadly anticipated to team up with Sauber.
Sauber will proceed to use Ferrari engines till 2025.
Audi will then manufacture its personal energy unit in an period when there will probably be a higher emphasis on sustainable fuels and an elevated electrical element in engines.
From 2026, the electrical energy output for the facility items, consisting of an electrical motor, battery, management electronics, and a combustion engine, will enhance.
The electrical motor will then be practically as highly effective because the combustion engine and the extremely environment friendly 1.6-litre turbo engines will run on superior sustainable gas, which Audi says was a prerequisite for entry into the sequence.
“Audi is the perfect strategic companion for the Sauber Group,” Sauber chairman Finn Rausing stated. “It is evident that we share values and a imaginative and prescient, and we glance ahead to reaching our frequent objectives in a robust and profitable partnership.”
F1 president Stefano Domenicali stated Audi’s partnership with Sauber is additional proof of how the sequence is turning into extra enticing.
“The mixture of these two names is a really thrilling prospect for our sport,” Domenicali stated. “It highlights the robust momentum that Formula 1 has and the idea in our technique to additional develop and improve the game whereas delivering on our sustainability plans to be internet zero carbon by 2030 with superior sustainable fuels in the vehicles in 2026.”