Despite several denials, rumors continue to circulate about Audi prematurely abandoning its Formula 1 program with Sauber before it even begins. The Hinwil team has once again denied that this will happen.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber’s team representative, made it clear in a press conference transcribed on the FIA website: ‘Audi has a strong commitment to Formula 1 and, of course, along with Sauber, this commitment comes from a decision not only by Audi’s management, but also by Audi’s advisory board and supervisory board. So, it’s a group decision and the commitment exists’.
The spokesperson explained why the future with Audi is not currently a topic generating much buzz from Sauber: ‘The reason for the lack of communication is simple. We are the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake. Therefore, until the end of the year, we have certain limitations on communication about the team, about the future, about Audi’s involvement, and we fully respect Alfa Romeo. We don’t want to make any announcements or more than what is strictly related to the races and the championship. The commitment, as I said, exists’.
On the other hand, Bravi emphasized that work is already being done for the future alongside Audi: ‘We are working hard to develop the team’s structure. We have a strong recruitment plan in place. James Key is one, but we have new hires weekly. And it’s not a question of Audi’s involvement in financing the team or sustaining this development process. We have two owners, two shareholders, there is governance in place according to the different phases of the transaction that will be completed before the 2026 season, and therefore we are proceeding with the investment plan, with everything, in accordance with the agreed governance’.
