Rumors suggesting that Audi might give up its F1 project due to management changes have been denied by Sauber’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who said the German manufacturer is still committed to joining the sport.
Audi is set to enter Formula 1 as a power unit producer from the 2026 season when new engine regulations will come into force. The team is already working on the engines’ development and production, but new F1 advocate CEO Gernot Dollner (who succeeded Markus Duesmann) doesn’t seem so keen to continue with the project. Therefore, rumors spread regarding the possibility of Audi not entering F1 in 2026.
Despite that, Alunni Bravi reassured everyone that the plan won’t change and Audi is still committed to producing engines starting in 2026.
“There is a strong commitment from the Audi Group at all levels,” he told Motorsport.com. “We always said that the decision to enter into F1 was not based on a decision of single individuals, but was based on the decision of the management board of Audi.
“And it’s then been confirmed by the advisory board of Audi and the supervisory board of VW Group. So the commitment is there.
“The project is proceeding according to the timeline and the agreed governance between shareholders. The dynamic within the board is not for us to comment on. But what we know is that we have strong support.
“Andreas Seidl is working closely with the Audi people to develop our team towards 2026. This is what I think is important. Now there is some media speculation. It is normal that it is interesting to understand the status of the Audi project.
“But for us, the status is a good one. We are working hard at every level, together with Audi, both in Hinwil and in Neuberg. There is no change, and as we are approaching more and more the target of 2026, we need to work even harder.”