Audi’s Full Takeover of Sauber Group: A Major Leap in Formula 1 Ambitions

Audi has fully acquired the Sauber Group, demonstrating a profound commitment to Formula 1 and motorsport. The takeover signifies a major step in Audi’s journey to the pinnacle of auto racing, heralding a new era for the brand in Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Expansion: Audi has completed its takeover of the Sauber Group, emphasizing its significant expansion into Formula 1, and setting the stage for a competitive debut in the 2026 season.
• Leadership Shifts: The acquisition sees Oliver Hoffmann appointed as Chairman of the Sauber Group, while Andreas Seidl takes the helm as CEO of the Audi F1 Team, bringing extensive experience and expertise to Audi’s F1 project.
• Enhanced Branding and Focus: This move is a strategic step in bolstering Audi’s global brand presence and aligns with its broader agenda to integrate motorsport innovation into its commercial portfolio.

Audi’s complete acquisition of the Sauber Group marks a pivotal moment in its Formula 1 preparations. This strategic acquisition is a key part of Audi’s broader initiative to enhance its standing in global motorsport and expedite its readiness for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The move, approved by the Volkswagen AG and AUDI AG Supervisory Boards, represents a clear declaration of Audi’s ambition in Formula 1.

Oliver Hoffmann, appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sauber, shared his excitement and vision for the venture:

“I would like to thank the entire team at Technical Development for the great performance in recent years, and I am proud of the outstanding products resulting from our intensive work that we will bring to the streets in the coming months. 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”

Andreas Seidl, taking up the role of CEO of the Audi F1 Team, also expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming challenges:

“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.”

The restructuring in Audi and the strategic appointments underscore a commitment to excellence and innovation. Manfred Döss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, emphasized the importance of this move:

“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.”

In conclusion, Audi’s strategic realignment and acquisition of the Sauber Group signal a robust approach toward making a significant impact in Formula 1. With the leadership of seasoned professionals like Hoffmann and Seidl, Audi is well-prepared for a competitive foray into the sport, blending its rich motorsport heritage with a forward-thinking approach to innovation and performance.