Sauber certainly keeps pulling off long shots
to keep this little team alive and relevant.

from https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sauber-to-become-audi-works-f1-team-from-2026.6EMJQ2LlvshgpCXdCR9xJl.html

Sauber to become Audi works F1 team from 2026
8 hours ago


Audi have reached an agreement with Sauber to make the Swiss Formula 1 operation their works team from 2026.

The German manufacturer announced in August that they will join F1 as a
power unit supplier, when new regulations that feature increased
electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels will be introduced in four
years.

READ MORE: Audi to join Formula 1 from 2026

Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Audi said Sauber – who are currently
running under the Alfa Romeo banner – will become their “strategic partner” for their F1 programme and that the automotive company plans to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group.

Audi will create their power unit at their base in Neuburg in Germany –
where already more than 120 people are working on the project – while
Sauber will develop and manufacture their race car at their headquarters
in Hinwil, Switzerland. Sauber will also be responsible for planning and executing the race operations.

“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent
partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Audi
AG Board Member responsible for the F1 programme.

“We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that
together we will form a strong team.”

Play Video
REACTION: Audi to join Formula 1 in 2026

Sauber Chairman of the Board of Directors Finn Rausing added: “Audi is
the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group. It is clear that we
share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common
goals in a strong and successful partnership.”

ANALYSIS: Why Audi chose Sauber as partner for their F1 adventure

Sauber Motorsport CEO and Team Principal Fred Vasseur said: “The
partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our
team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid.

“To become Audi’s official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility: it’s the best option for the future and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for
their journey in Formula 1.”

Adam Baker, managing director of the F1 project, added: “We are looking forward to working with an experienced team that has helped shape many
eras of Formula 1 history.”

Alfa Romeo's Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas rolls out from the pit lane
during the first free practice session ahead of the Formula One
Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary, on July
29, 2022. (Photo by FERENC ISZA / AFP) (Photo by FERENC ISZA/AFP via
Getty Images)
The Sauber cars currently run with Alfa Romeo branding, but come 2026
they'll carry Audi colours
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1 said: “It is great news to
hear that Audi will have a partnership with Sauber for their entry into
Formula 1 in 2026. The combination of those two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport.

"It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the belief in
our strategy to further grow and enhance the sport while delivering on
our sustainability plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in the cars in 2026. We look forward to seeing their
progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the team’s
first race.”

READ MORE: ‘It’s perfect timing due to the new rules’ – Audi boss explains why they joined F1

Ahead of Audi’s arrival, Alfa Romeo will end their title sponsorship of Sauber at the end of the 2023 campaign. The Swiss team will continue to
use Ferrari power units through to the end of 2025, before taking on
Audi power for the following campaign.

Audi – who are part of the Volkswagen Group – say expansion of their Neuburg facility in terms of personnel, buildings and technical
infrastructure should “be largely in place in 2023”. They intend to do their first tests of the 2026 power unit in an F1 test car in 2025.

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