Sauber Set for Major Expansion with Audi’s Impending Takeover: A Strategic Shift in F1 Dynamics

In a significant move for the F1 landscape, Sauber has announced its plans to ramp up hiring ahead of Audi’s 2026 takeover. The move signals a strategic shift in team dynamics as the team emphasizes human resource development over infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• Continued Recruitment Drive: Sauber’s managing director, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, confirmed the team’s ongoing efforts to expand its workforce, focusing on acquiring top talent. This recruitment plan is crucial as the team prepares for Audi’s complete takeover in 2026.
• Financial Growth and Partnership Changes: The Hinwil-based team has seen financial growth since the investment from Alfa Romeo in 2018. Despite the end of this partnership, Sauber is now transitioning to ‘Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber’ and will continue evolving, backed by Audi’s impending takeover.
• Strategic Investment and Development: Plans for investment and development are underway until 2030, in collaboration with Audi. The focus is on increasing headcount, enhancing technology, and improving facilities, all governed by a changing and collaborative framework between Sauber and Audi.

The Sauber F1 team, under the stewardship of Alessandro Alunni Bravi, is embarking on a significant phase of expansion and transformation. The team, which will soon transition to a new identity, ‘Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber,’ is actively hiring new talent, highlighting the importance of human resources over immediate infrastructural development. This strategic shift comes as the team prepares for a complete takeover by Audi in 2026, a move that promises to reshape its competitive dynamics in Formula 1.

The financial upliftment of the team began with Alfa Romeo’s investment in 2018, enabling the hiring of more desirable talent. However, with Alfa Romeo’s exit in 2024, the team is entering a new era, marked by the upcoming partnership with Audi. Despite these significant changes, Sauber’s focus remains steadfast on its recruitment drive, a decision underscored by the deal with Audi made in 2022.

Alunni Bravi emphasized the scope and vision of the recruitment plan, stating, “We have undertaken an important recruitment plan.” He elaborated on the gradual impact of this plan, considering the normal transition periods involved when hiring from competitors. This expansion isn’t just in numbers; it’s about enhancing technological capabilities and infrastructure gradually over the years. From a team of around 220 people in 2017, Sauber has grown to over 500, illustrating the scale of its ambition and growth.

The investment and development plan, extending until at least 2030, is a subject of ongoing discussions with Audi. This plan includes adapting the governance structure to align with Audi’s increasing role in the team. The collaboration and strategic planning between the two entities are indicative of the evolving landscape of Formula 1 management and team operations.

Alunni Bravi also highlighted the advantages Sauber will gain from increased capex, approved by the F1 Commission and FIA. This financial leverage will accelerate the team’s investment plans, crucial in a sport driven by technology and timely decision-making. The team, under the guidance of Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl, is strategically allocating its budget to maximize performance-related improvements.

In conclusion, Sauber’s proactive approach towards team expansion and development, coupled with Audi’s impending takeover, signals a new era for the team. With a focus on strategic investment in human and technological resources, Sauber is poised to redefine its position and competitiveness in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.