AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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

Publisher by Publisher
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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Motorsports

Ben Rhodes confronts NASCAR’s $75,000 fine dilemma after dramatic wreck in Darlington

NASCAR Showdown: Two-Time Champion Ben Rhodes Stifles Rage to Avoid $75K Fine After Dramatic Wreck In the high-octane world of...

by Carl Smith
March 21, 2026
Motorsports

Liam Lawson exposes ‘sketchy’ dangers of new F1 cars: is safety at risk?

Title: Liam Lawson Sounds Alarm on 'Sketchy' Dangers of New F1 Cars In a gripping revelation that has sent shockwaves...

by Carl Smith
March 21, 2026
Motorsports

Denny Hamlin hints at future beyond 2027: will he continue racing after his contract?

Denny Hamlin's Future in NASCAR: Will the Racing Legend Continue Beyond 2027? Denny Hamlin, the celebrated driver of the No....

by Redação
March 21, 2026
Motorsports

Max Verstappen eyes dramatic return to Nurburgring races after F1 cancellations

Max Verstappen Sets Sights on Nurburgring Comeback Amid F1 Cancellations In a thrilling twist of events, F1 titan Max Verstappen...

by Publisher
March 21, 2026

Recent News

Ben Rhodes confronts NASCAR’s $75,000 fine dilemma after dramatic wreck in Darlington

March 21, 2026

Liam Lawson exposes ‘sketchy’ dangers of new F1 cars: is safety at risk?

March 21, 2026

Denny Hamlin hints at future beyond 2027: will he continue racing after his contract?

March 21, 2026

Max Verstappen eyes dramatic return to Nurburgring races after F1 cancellations

March 21, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.