Audi to execute full takeover of Sauber Formula 1 team

German automotive giant Audi has announced its commitment to a complete acquisition of the Sauber Formula 1 team.

Initially acquiring a 25 percent stake in the Swiss team in early-2023, Audi had planned to increase its ownership to 75 percent by 2026. However, recent reports from Bloomberg indicated a shift towards a full takeover – and this move has now been confirmed, granting Audi full control of the team going forward.

Andreas Seidl, who joined Sauber Group as CEO after departing McLaren in 2023, will continue to lead the team in his role as chief executive of the new Audi Formula 1 Team. Audi emphasised Seidl’s role in overseeing the Formula 1 project and positioned him as the ‘face of the future Audi Formula One Team’.

“[I] am looking forward to leading Audi into Formula One together with a highly motivated team as CEO of the Audi F1 Team,” Seidl said in a statement.

“We have a clear roadmap for how we want to become competitive in Hinwil as well as in Neuburg [Audi’s Formula One power unit facility].

“We have ambitious goals. Realisation of them is in progress and will be further accelerated through the complete takeover of Sauber by Audi AG.”

Oliver Hoffmann, currently leading Audi’s technical department, will assume responsibility for Audi’s Formula 1 commitment as well as become the chairman of the board of directors of Sauber Group. In his new role, Hoffman will oversee the stake in the Swiss team, the development of Audi’s new power unit, and the strategic steering and activation of the program by Audi.

“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,” Hoffman commented.

“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.”