Audi claims everyone involved in its highly-talked about F1 project is having ‘goosebumps’ ahead of ‘first race in 2026’

Audi announced a complete takeover of Sauber F1 team earlier this season.

Audi claims everyone involved in its highly-talked about F1 project is having ‘goosebumps’ ahead of ‘first race in 2026’

Audi F1 (via IMAGO)

Audi’s executive director of competition, Adam Baker, has spoken to the media ahead of the German company’s historic F1 debut in 2026. Baker claimed that everyone involved with the project is fiercely excited ahead of the team’s first race.

Audi announced that the German automobile barons would be joining the pinnacle of motorsport towards the end of the 2022 season. This invoked high expectations and promises in the hearts of many associated with F1. Since then, the Volkswagen-owned company has further announced that they will be teaming up with Sauber to make their first runs in the sport.

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The German-based team has acquired 100 percent ownership over the Sauber team which means that the outfit will now be called Audi from 2026. Adam Baker has hence said that the introduction of newer power units as well as the formulation of new regulations from 2026 will be an exciting challenge for the team.

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Hearing the sound of the power unit at circuits like Spielberg, Singapore or Las Vegas not only gives everyone involved in the project goosebumps, but also gives us the feeling that we are much closer to our first race in 2026.
Adam Baker said in an official statement, as reported by soymotor

Baker has spoken on behalf of Audi expressing excitement over the sound of the power units around the F1 circuits which has invoked greater motivation amongst everyone associated with the project. The 2026 season is set to welcome a new challenge to the world of motorsport as the Germans will battle the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes in F1.

Alessandro Alunni-Bravi claims Audi is in talks with ‘four race winners’ for 2025

Stake team representative, Alessandro Alunni-Bravi has asserted that Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026, is currently in negotiations with four race-winning drivers for a move in 2025. Sauber has yet to fill up a seat for the upcoming season, having signed Nico Hulkenberg from Haas earlier this year.

Alessandro Alunni-Bravi
Alessandro Alunni-Bravi (via IMAGO)
There are in the Formula 1 market four Formula 1 race winners and we are discussing with all of them .One of the main characteristics we want is a long-term commitment with the Audi project.
Alessandro Alunni-Bravi via PlanetF1

The four drivers in context are rumored to be Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, Stake Sauber F1’s Valtteri Bottas, and Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz. The recent upturn of events pit Pierre Gasly out of the picture as the French driver announced a contract extension with Alpine on Thursday, pledging his future with the Enstone-based outfit.

Sauber-owned Audi has been the key prospect of long-drawn rumors surrounding Carlos Sainz, who has been in fine form this season and is yet to decide on his future. As for the other two, Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas now await a response from the German automobile giants, who will judge the two talented drivers thoroughly based on their performance during the ongoing season.

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