Audi is preparing to enter the world of Formula 1 in the 2026 season alongside Sauber as new regulations come into effect. Despite rumors of leadership changes at Sauber, the team’s CEO has denied any potential threat to Audi’s commitment. Since Audi’s acquisition of Sauber in August 2022, the Swiss team has been expanding its team and infrastructure, while Audi has been working on its power unit at a new F1 facility in Neuberg. However, the departure of a major F1 supporter from the business last year raised concerns about the future of the project.
There are reports suggesting that the successor to the departed CEO may have mixed feelings about entering F1 and could potentially sell the team. Meanwhile, rumors circulate about the Audi development director being promoted to a position in F1, which could put him between Seidl and the company’s top management.
According to Bravi, the media has raised concerns about the adequacy of Sauber’s infrastructure, but when Audi acquired the team, they were not fully aware of the necessary facilities and technological updates. Enrico Gualtieri from Ferrari acknowledges that new manufacturers without previous experience will face greater difficulties in adapting to the new hybrid regulations of F1 and building the necessary infrastructure for power units in 2026. Even experienced manufacturers with ten years of hybrid F1 experience face challenges in the new regulations.
Gualtieri admits that current manufacturers face a disadvantage as they are required to allocate resources to ongoing programs until the end of 2025, despite performance development being limited. However, the 2026 regulations present a new challenge for everyone, as each team will have different engine suppliers or may choose to develop their own.
Starting in 2026, Red Bull has partnered with Ford for engine development, while Aston Martin has partnered with Honda. Ferrari and Mercedes will continue to build their own engines, and Audi, which will enter in 2026, has already begun developing its engines. The competition to create the best engines for 2026 will certainly be intriguing.
