Audi Completes Full Acquisition of sauber F1 Team, Sets Stage for 2026 entry
In a landmark move for Formula 1, Audi has officially completed its full acquisition of the Sauber F1 Team, marking a meaningful milestone in its journey to becoming a full-fledged constructor in the sport by 2026. The deal, finalized in January 2025, solidifies Audi’s commitment to Formula 1 and positions the German automaker as a major player in the upcoming regulatory era.
Originally, Audi had planned to acquire a 75% stake in the Swiss-based team.Though, in March 2024, reports emerged that the company was aiming for a full takeover. The acquisition, valued at approximately €600 million (around 96 billion yen), was completed ahead of schedule, with Audi now holding 100% ownership of Sauber Holding AG.
A spokesperson for Audi confirmed the completion of the deal, stating, “The complete acquisition of sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was completed as scheduled in January 2025.” The spokesperson added, “Audi took the next crucial step on its path to F1 early in the year. Audi previously held a minority stake in Sauber Holding AG.”
This acquisition follows Audi’s announcement in 2022 that it would partner with Sauber, one of Formula 1’s longest-standing teams, to enter the sport in 2026. the move aligns with the introduction of new engine regulations, which Audi aims to leverage to establish itself as a competitive force.
A New Era for Sauber
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The transition to full audi ownership comes with significant changes for the Sauber F1 Team. The team has already undergone a driver lineup overhaul,with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortleto,the newly crowned F2 champion,set to take the wheel in 2025.this marks a fresh start for the team, which saw the departure of Chou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas at the end of the 2024 season.
The team’s leadership has also seen a shakeup. Jonathan Wheatley, formerly Red Bull’s sporting director, is set to join Audi F1 as team principal earlier than expected. Originally slated to begin his role in the summer of 2025, Wheatley is now likely to start in April, following an agreement with Red Bull for an early departure.
Wheatley’s arrival coincides with the departure of Alessandro Arruni Bravi,who served as de facto team principal since Frédéric Vasseur moved to Ferrari in December 2022. Paying tribute to Bravi’s contributions,Mattia Binotto,Sauber’s boss,said,“Alessandro has held a wide range of roles within the team and has led the team through both challenging and exciting times. On behalf of the company,we would like to thank him for his energy and contributions over the years and wish him every success as he moves on to new challenges.”
Bravi, reflecting on his tenure, shared, “I feel very emotional as my journey with Sauber comes to an end.As joining in 2017, I have watched this team grow and change in ways that no one could have imagined. This team is a family,and we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Strategic moves and Future Prospects
Audi’s acquisition of Sauber is part of a broader strategy to establish a strong presence in Formula 1. The deal was expedited, with Audi achieving full ownership earlier than initially planned.This move underscores the company’s ambition to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
the team’s future looks promising, with Audi’s resources and technical expertise expected to elevate Sauber’s performance. The partnership also aligns with Audi’s broader goals of innovation and sustainability, as the new engine regulations in 2026 emphasize hybrid and electric technologies.
Key Highlights of the Acquisition
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Acquisition Date | January 2025 |
| Deal Value | €600 million (approx. 96 billion yen) |
| Ownership Stake | 100% (previously held a minority stake) |
| New Drivers (2025) | Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortleto |
| New Team Principal | Jonathan Wheatley (starting April 2025) |
| Previous Team Principal | Alessandro Arruni Bravi (departed in January 2025) |
Looking Ahead
As Audi prepares for its official entry into Formula 1 in 2026, the completion of the Sauber acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s landscape. With a new driver lineup, fresh leadership, and the backing of one of the world’s leading automotive brands, the Audi F1 Team is poised to make waves in the coming seasons.For fans of Formula 1, this advancement signals the dawn of a new era, with Audi’s entry promising to bring innovation, competition, and excitement to the grid.As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes will be on Audi and Sauber to see how this powerhouse partnership unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates as Audi continues its journey to redefine Formula 1.
Headline:
Revolution in the Pits: An Exclusive Interview with F1 Expert, professor Leonardo di Monte, on Audi’s Full Acquisition of Sauber
Introduction:
In a transformative move that has sent ripples across the world of Formula 1, German automobile giant Audi has concluded its full takeover of the Sauber F1 Team, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a full constructor in the sport by 2026. To delve deeper into this landmark acquisition, we had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Leonardo di Monte, an esteemed motorsport specialist and Professor of Automotive Engineering at the University of Verona. His insights provide a unique viewpoint on this game-changing deal and its implications for the future of Formula 1.
Q: Professor di Monte, thank you for joining us today. To kick things off, could you please share yoru initial thoughts on Audi’s full acquisition of Sauber?
A: Thank you for having me. This acquisition is undoubtedly a major turning point in the landscape of Formula 1. Audi’s decision to acquire Sauber in its entirety, ahead of its schedule, signals a strong commitment and ambition to succeed in the top tier of motorsport. This move aligns perfectly with the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026, which emphasize hybrid and electric technologies – areas where Audi, with its expertise in electric vehicles, can truly capitalize.
Q: The acquisition was initially planned as a 75% stake, but Audi opted for a full takeover. What led to this change in strategy?
A: The shift from a majority stake to full ownership reflects Audi’s confidence in its vision for the team and its eagerness to control its own fate in Formula 1. Full ownership allows Audi to implement its long-term plans more quickly and effectively, from technical decisions on the track to strategic branding and marketing initiatives off it. It’s a clear indication that Audi is serious about making its mark in Formula 1.
Q: Let’s discuss the implications for Sauber. How will this acquisition impact the team’s dynamics and competitive prospects?
A: This acquisition marks a new dawn for Sauber. audi’s extensive resources and technical expertise could significantly elevate the team’s performance. However, the team’s future success will hinge on effective integration of Audi’s technology and personnel with Sauber’s existing structure and experience. The appointment of Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, with his proven track record at Red Bull, is a promising sign that Audi is committed to making the right choices for the team’s leadership and direction.
Q: Speaking of changes, there’s been a significant turnover in the driver lineup and team principal. How do you see thes changes shaping the team’s future?
A: The driver lineup update suggests Audi is investing in youth and potential, with Gabriel Bortleto’s addition as the reigning F2 Champion. Coupled with Nico Hulkenberg’s experience, the team has a mix of youthful promise and race-craft wisdom.Meanwhile, Jonathan Wheatley’s appointment signals a fresh approach to team leadership, which could invigorate the team’s culture and operations. The departure of Alessandro Arruni Bravi, while unfortunate, presents an chance for the team to start afresh and adapt to its new identity as Audi F1 Team.
Q: Lastly, what does this acquisition mean for the future of Formula 1, and what can fans expect in the coming seasons?
A: In the coming seasons, fans can anticipate a more competitive landscape, with Audi joining the fray with a clear ambition to contend at the highest level. Audi’s involvement also signals a likely shift in the sport’s technological focus, given the company’s prowess in electric vehicle technology. The entry of such a major automotive brand also sends a strong message about Formula 1’s appeal and relevance as a platform for innovation and sustainability. Ultimately, Audi’s acquisition of Sauber promises to bring excitement, competition, and perhaps even surprise performances to the grid.
Stay tuned for more insights from Professor Leonardo di Monte and other experts as Audi continues its journey to redefine Formula 1.
