In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Audi has officially registered as an F1 engine manufacturer for the upcoming 2026 regulations. This exciting development has caught the attention of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. The recent Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps saw a display car in the pits, showcasing Audi’s presence in the prestigious championship. However, amidst changes in Audi’s management, doubts have arisen about their commitment to the acquisition of the Hinwil-based Formula 1 team, Sauber.
The situation took a concerning turn when German publication BILD reported that Oliver Hoffmann, Development Director and a key figure in Audi’s F1 project, may be leaving the company. This news follows the departure of former CEO Markus Duesmann, another influential figure in the project. It is speculated that Hoffmann’s possible exit is a result of disagreements with Audi’s current CEO, Gernot Dollner, regarding the direction of the company, especially in light of low sales figures in its car division.
To address these concerns, the Volkswagen Group, of which Audi is a part, is expected to make a decision about Hoffmann’s future in March. One possible outcome is his involvement in the F1 project, acting as a bridge between Sauber’s CEO, Andreas Seidl, and Audi’s top management. However, Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi assures that any personnel changes will not hinder the progress of the impending F1 acquisition.
Alunni Bravi emphasizes the strong commitment of the Audi Group at all levels. He clarifies that the decision to enter F1 was not made by individuals, but rather by Audi’s board of directors. This decision was subsequently confirmed by Audi’s advisory board and the supervisory board of the VW Group, solidifying their commitment to the sport. With unwavering support, the future looks promising for Audi’s foray into the world of Formula 1.
In December, new CEO Dollner sought to put an end to any speculation following Duesmann’s departure, stating to Handelsblatt, “There is a definitive decision from the Audi and Volkswagen boards of directors that Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026.” Dollner also mentioned that an entire layer of executive committees has been eliminated to accelerate advancements in F1.
However, Hoffmann’s appointment to the F1 project adds an additional level of management that has often proven burdensome in a sporting environment. Nevertheless, Alunni Bravi is confident that Audi’s collaboration with Sauber is progressing positively.
“The project is moving forward according to the schedule and governance agreed upon by the shareholders,” he added. “The internal dynamics of the board are not our concern. What we know is that we have strong support. Andreas Seidl is closely collaborating with the Audi team to develop our team for 2026. That is what I believe is important. Now there are some speculations in the media. It is natural for people to be interested in understanding the status of the Audi project. But for us, the status is good. We are working diligently at all levels, in conjunction with Audi, both in Hinwil and Neuberg. There are no changes, and as we approach the 2026 target, we need to work even harder.”
Audi has remained a silent entity behind the scenes as Sauber closes the gap towards its acquisition, starting with a 25% stake in the operation last year, which will eventually rise to 75%.
For some observers, the progress being made to turn Sauber into a factory team seems slow, both financially and technically, but Alunni Bravi is not worried.
“I have noticed comments in the media about whether Sauber, in terms of structure, is suitable to become a solid base for a factory team,” he acknowledged. “What I can say is that when Audi made the decision to acquire the Sauber Group, due diligence was conducted at all levels, including our facilities and technology. We understand that to be competitive for top positions, we need to enhance and expand our facilities, increase our workforce, and invest in technology, just like all the other teams are doing. In the past four years, we have seen teams build new wind tunnels to have state-of-the-art facilities. They have all invested in technology and personnel. We are doing the same. According to governance, we will have the resources to achieve our goal. F1 is a technology-driven sport. So, the journey is not a one-year endeavor. It is a process we started under Andreas’ leadership, and we are working with the support of our shareholders. So, there is and will be a lot of work to be done to perform well, according to the necessary timeline to develop a factory team from an independent team. It is a significant step, of course.”
© 2024
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. is preparing for the upcoming season with the Ferrari team. After a period of adaptation with McLaren, Sainz is eager to showcase his talent with the Italian team. He is determined to achieve good results and contribute to Ferrari’s success.
Sainz is confident that Ferrari has the potential to return to the top of the podium. He is impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the team during pre-season testing. Sainz believes that Ferrari has learned from past mistakes and is ready to compete for the championship.
The Spanish driver is also looking forward to working alongside his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. Sainz has great respect for Leclerc’s talent and believes that together they will form a strong and competitive duo. He is confident that the partnership with Leclerc will bring good results for Ferrari.
Sainz is also aware of the challenges he will face in the 2024 season. He knows that the competition will be fierce and that he will have to give his best in every race. However, he is determined to work hard and fight for success.
The 2024 Formula 1 season promises to be exciting, with many intense battles and rivalries. Fans are eager to see Sainz’s performance with Ferrari and hope that he can achieve great results. It will be interesting to follow the evolution of the Spanish driver and see how he adapts to the new team.
Ferrari is also confident that Sainz will be a valuable addition to the team. They believe in his talent and are willing to support him on his journey to success. With a combination of talent, dedication, and determination, Sainz has everything to stand out in the 2024 season and help Ferrari achieve great accomplishments.
