Andreas Seidl, CEO of Audi’s Formula 1 outfit has provided an update on the project’s progress as the German marque prepares for its full takeover of Sauber for the 2026 season.
Audi announced its intention to participate in F1 from 2026 onwards with an announcement at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix and it was revealed later that year its path onto the grid would be a majority takeover of the Hinwil-based Sauber team.
However, movements within the Audi board and a lack of updates on the German manufacturer’s progress led to speculation the famous auto brand had cold feet.
Audi sought to quash this speculation when it announced at this year’s Saudi Arabian GP it was stepping up its 75% acquisition of Sauber to a full takeover.
“It was important that we didn’t allow ourselves to be deterred by this internally,” Seild told Auto Motor und Sport of the speculation.
“We stuck to our plans in both Neuberg and Hinwil and implemented them step by step. The announcement of the full takeover in March was a strong signal that finally put an end to the rumours. This step will help us make the big decisions we need to make more quickly.”
F1’s newest manufacturer made its claim to enter the sport off the back of revised power unit regulations, which were confirmed in 2022.
These regulations will see the introduction of sustainable fuels and an increased focus on electrification.
Seidl noted that “basic work” began on the marque’s power unit following its 2022 project launch.
Still, there are less than two years until Audi joins the F1 grid and plenty of work left to do.
“I am confident that we can get off to a good start in 2026,” said Seidl.
“On the team side you always wish you had more time. Nevertheless, I believe that we can accelerate the transformation mentioned above by taking over 100 percent of Audi.
“In conjunction with the new regulations in 2026, we should have good conditions to get off to a good start as a factory team.”
The majority of Audi’s work thus far has been on the power unit side and Seidl has said plans have begun to transform Sauber from a privateer entry to one respective of a full works team.
“Adam Baker started building up the team and infrastructure at Audi Formula Racing GmbH in 2022,” Seidl said.
“Testing of all components for the power unit began in 2023. As of today the team and infrastructure are largely in place.
“On the team page at Sauber in Hinwil, we have used the last few months to work out with the team where the deficits lie compared to the top teams in F1.”
Part of that deficit again relates to the power unit, with Audi one of six registered engine manufacturers for 2026 along with Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, Honda and Red Bull.
Audi is the OEM with the least experience among the six power unit manufacturers and Seidl said the team “shouldn’t fool ourselves” given its competitors “have a head start.”
Seidl added, “It’s not just about the technical details, but of course also about operational processes.
“Nevertheless, in the negotiations with the FIA and the other manufacturers about the regulations, we managed to make enough big changes that mean that the established competitors also have to break new ground.
“The broad know-how that Audi already had in terms of drive development, combined with the expertise of new employees from Formula 1, should help newcomers compensate for the lack of experience as quickly as possible.”
