The Audi group has accelerated its takeover of the Sauber F1 Team ahead of its Formula 1 entry in 2026.
The German manufacturer will join the sport from the 2026 season, acquiring the current team Sauber.
Audi had already purchased a minority in the team but now plans to accelerate its full takeover from current owner Islero Investments AG.
The acquisition was initially expected to be completed by 2026.
“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as a big sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment,” said Audi Chairman Manfred Doss.
“Through the bundling of Oliver Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, we are accelerating our preparations for the 2026 season.”
Audi decided to accelerate its acquisition of Sauber to ensure a solid base for when it joins the F1 grid in two years’ time.
Hoffmann, who is Audi Sport’s technical development director, said that “motorsport, particularly Formula 1, is my big passion.”
“I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100% of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026.
“I am pleased we were able to secure the services of Andreas Seidl as Audi F1 Team CEO,” he announced.
“He is exactly the right man for our ambitious plan. Thanks to his broad experience from leadership roles on the manufacturer and Formula 1 team side, he will make a significant contribution to Audi’s Formula 1 project.”
Seidl said he is “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. We have ambitious goals. Realization of them is in progress and will be further accelerated through the complete takeover of Sauber by Audi AG.”