Audi made a significant acquisition of the Sauber F1 team earlier this year. Audi’s competition executive director, Adam Baker, recently spoke to the press about the company’s debut in Formula 1 in 2026. Baker expressed the team’s immense excitement and anticipation for their first race.
Audi’s announcement to join the pinnacle of motorsport in 2022 generated high expectations and excitement among the F1 community. As a result, the Volkswagen-owned company revealed its partnership with Sauber to make its first foray into the sport. This collaboration led to Audi acquiring 100% of the Sauber team, which will be renamed Audi from 2026 onwards. Baker emphasized that the introduction of new power units and regulations in 2026 will present an exciting challenge for the team.
Speaking on behalf of Audi, Baker expressed the team’s enthusiasm for the unique sound of the power units on the F1 circuits. This excitement has motivated everyone involved in the project. The 2026 season will see Audi competing against formidable rivals such as Red Bull and Mercedes in the world of motorsport.
A representative from the Sauber team confirmed that Sauber, soon to be Audi, is currently in negotiations with four race-winning drivers for a possible switch in 2025. Sauber has not yet finalized its driver lineup for the upcoming season, having recently hired a driver from Haas. The four drivers under consideration are rumored to be Driver A and B from Alpine, Driver C from Stake Sauber F1, and Driver D from Ferrari. However, the extension of Pierre Gasly’s contract with Alpine has ruled him out as a potential candidate.
Carlos Sainz has been the subject of speculation regarding Audi, the owner of Sauber. Sainz, who has been performing exceptionally well this season, has not yet made a decision about his future. Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas are also awaiting a response from Audi, which will evaluate their performance during the current season before making a decision.
