Audi has formally announced its entry into Formula 1 with a factory team in partnership with Sauber starting in 2026, but the project continues to be the subject of speculation. After rumors of the project’s end or its transfer to Porsche, now Toyota is being linked to the Hinwil structure, which is currently partnered with Alfa Romeo until the end of this season.
The Finnish newspaper Iltalehti writes that a process of dissolution of the contract with Audi may be underway. The “salvation,” as the publication writes, could come from Toyota – which left F1 at the end of 2009 due to the financial crisis and has not returned since, focusing on the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
On the table could be a purchase of Sauber, which would be a full return of Toyota as a factory team. At the same time, it would supply power units to McLaren. However, the Finnish newspaper emphasizes that for now, everything is in the realm of speculation.
It is worth remembering that a few weeks ago, the signing of Ryo Hirakawa with McLaren as a development driver immediately sparked rumors of Toyota’s future involvement – since the driver is linked to the Japanese manufacturer, with whom he competes in the WEC.
