With everything in the past months indicating that Audi will be making its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, they have officially confirmed plans to accelerate their takeover of the shareholding of Sauber Formula 1 team.
Audi has confirmed its intention to fast track the takeover of the Sauber team, with plans to join by the 2026 season. This announcement solidifies Audi’s commitment to F1 and sets the stage for an exciting new era in the sport. After it was initially claimed they would be taking over 75% of the Sauber Group, the German brand will take complete control.
By assuming full control of the Sauber Group, Audi hopes to streamline its operations and ramp up preparations for its F1 debut.
Audi has stated today that: “Audi plans to take a 100 percent stake in the Sauber Group. Oliver Hoffmann is set to be the person responsible for the Audi Formula 1 program overall as a General Representative. As CEO of the Audi F1 Team, Andreas Seidl will be responsible for the implementation of the F1 project as well as the management of the Audi F1 Team.”
Oliver Hoffmann, former Chief Development Officer at Audi, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors for all Sauber companies. With a wealth of experience in motorsport, including successful stints in DTM, Formula E, and the Dakar Rally, Hoffmann and Audi bring a proven track record of achievement to the team.
“Motorsport, particularly Formula 1, is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100 percent 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 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.”
Working alongside Hoffmann is Andreas Seidl, previous team principal of McLaren Formula One Team, with the role of CEO of the Audi F1 Team.
Formerly CEO of Sauber, and with a distinguished career in Formula 1, he brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the team.
As CEO, Seidl will oversee the implementation of Audi’s F1 project and manage the team’s efforts, whilst being the public face of the team.
“I thank Gernot Döllner and Oliver Hoffmann for their trust and am 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.”
Commenting on the announcement, Manfred Doss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Audi, emphasised the significance of the company’s entry into the sport. He highlighted the sporting and financial challenges of the venture, reaffirming the team’s commitment to success within the sport.
“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment.”
“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.”
