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Audi completes €600 million takeover of Sauber: a game-changing move for F1 in 2026

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
January 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0

Reuters

Audi has officially taken full control of the Sauber Formula 1 team, cementing its long-anticipated entry into the sport ahead of the 2026 season. The German automaker’s acquisition of Sauber Holding AG, reportedly worth around €600 million, marks a bold step into the pinnacle of motorsport and signals a new era for the Swiss-based outfit.

Audi’s roadmap to F1 dominance

Initially planned as a 75% stake acquisition, Audi revealed in March 2024 that it would instead purchase the entire Sauber operation. By January 2025, the deal was completed, with Audi now holding 100% ownership of Sauber Holding AG. The takeover aligns with the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, where Audi aims to establish itself as a formidable competitor in Formula 1.

An Audi spokesperson confirmed the milestone, stating:
“Closing was concluded in January, as planned. Audi now is the 100 per cent owner of Sauber Holding AG, the mother company of the team.”

The team’s transformation is supported by significant investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which acquired a 30% minority stake in Sauber Holding AG in November 2024, further strengthening Audi’s financial and strategic backing.

Sauber’s final season: a transitional campaign

Sauber’s 2025 season, the last under its current moniker, will feature an all-new driver lineup. Veteran Nico Hulkenberg brings experience, while reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto injects youthful talent and potential.

Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, formerly Red Bull’s Sporting Director, is poised to play a pivotal role in Audi’s transition. Wheatley’s arrival has been expedited, with the experienced leader set to take charge by the Japanese Grand Prix. In the interim, Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s COO and CTO, will oversee team operations during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.

A changing of the guard: Alunni Bravi’s emotional farewell

The departure of Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber’s Team Representative and Managing Director, marks the end of an era. Having joined Sauber in 2017, Alunni Bravi guided the team through challenging and transformative times, serving as its public face since Frederic Vasseur’s departure to Ferrari in 2023.

Reflecting on his departure, Alunni Bravi said:
“This team is a family and has a bright future ahead. Since I joined in 2017, I have seen this team grow and change beyond what anyone could have imagined. As I move on to a new project, I want to thank Finn Rausing and all those who put so much trust and faith in me.”

Binotto praised Alunni Bravi’s contributions, stating:
“Alessandro played a wide range of roles within the team, steering it through difficult and exciting times alike. The whole company thanks him for his energy and contributions and wishes him the best for the future.”

Looking ahead to 2026

Audi’s full takeover of Sauber sets the stage for its 2026 Formula 1 debut, with bold aspirations to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses. Armed with state-of-the-art facilities, substantial financial backing, and a clear vision for the future, Audi is gearing up to make a significant impact under the new regulations.

The 2025 season will serve as a bridge to the Audi era, with Sauber aiming to close its chapter on a high note while laying the groundwork for its transformation into one of F1’s most anticipated new challengers.

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