Nico Hulkenberg, the new team leader for Sauber, expressed optimism about the team’s future, following the announcement of their expansion into the United Kingdom. He sees this as a strategic move that will attract top-tier talent and bolster the team’s transition into becoming Audi’s first Formula 1 entry in 2026.
Sauber’s shift into Audi’s F1 team necessitates significant changes to shape the team into a worthy representative of the German auto giant. Historically, Sauber’s Swiss base has been a roadblock in enticing top talent from the UK’s ‘Motorsport Valley’, a region renowned for its wealth of F1 expertise. The high cost of living in Switzerland has compounded the issue, forcing Sauber to demand more freedom in the cost cap to stay competitive in talent acquisition.
To address this, Sauber revealed plans to establish a technical centre in the UK in February. The aim is to create a magnetic pull for the best minds in the industry from the region. Bicester, Silverstone, and Milton Keynes are the potential sites being evaluated by Sauber for its UK hub. The team intends to initiate the groundwork for the hub this Summer. This move will plant Sauber right in the centre of F1’s British heartland, in close quarters with eight competing teams.
This strategic relocation leaves only Ferrari as the remaining team without a UK base. Hulkenberg sees this move as an opportunity to attract those reluctant to uproot their families to Switzerland. In his words during a media event, “It’s helpful, it builds a bridge and it just opens doors for people… it’s a positive thing and will offer good opportunities going forward.”
The establishment of a UK base is a critical component of Sauber’s transition into Audi’s F1 team. This move was initiated under the leadership of Mattia Binotto, who was appointed as COO and CTO to navigate the team into the F1 era of Audi.
Binotto, following the announcement, expressed his excitement about the UK technical centre. He envisions a robust, collaborative network between the Hinwil and UK teams. This approach has been employed by several of Sauber’s rivals, including Haas, which operates across North Carolina, USA, Banbury in the UK, and Maranello, Italy.
Despite the global footprint of F1, the concentration of engineering talent in the UK is undeniable. Sauber’s decision to establish a base there is a crucial step in its transformation into Audi’s F1 team. However, Binotto acknowledges the enormity of the task at hand, stating, “It’s a complete business transformation…There is a lot ahead of us, but everything is planned and on track.”
The team’s ambition is met with enthusiasm, but also the understanding that it’s a long journey. Binotto added, “Yes, we expect to do better in 2025, and there will be high expectations for 2026, but we must be patient…”
In conclusion, Sauber’s decision to establish a UK base signals a major step in its transformation into Audi’s Formula 1 team. It’s a move that is met with optimism, particularly from the team’s leader, Nico Hulkenberg, who believes this will open doors for top talent and facilitate the team’s transition into the Audi works outfit.