Ahead of Audi’s 2026 F1 debut, the team has announced a partnership with Swiss engineering group Sauber.

Sauber will develop and manufacture Audi’s race cars and also direct operations on race day.

The Sauber-Audi partnership was prominent in the late 2000s and early 2010s when Audi dominated the Le Mans 24-hour race.

Preparations for Audi’s inaugural season have already begun, with design and development underway at Audi’s Racing facility in Neuburg an der Donau.

Speaking about the partnership, Sauber chairman, Finn Rausing, surmised: “Audi is the best partner for the Sauber Group.”

“It is clear that both companies share the same values and vision. We are looking forward to achieving our common goals with a strong and successful partnership,” he said.

Audi technical development and board member, Oliver Hoffman, added: “We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.”

Audi aim to have their first F1 car ready for test racing in 2025, ahead of their 2026 debut.