Sauber REJECTS rumors that their 2026 deal with $83 billion worth manufacturer is in jeopardy

Audi is set enter F1 with Sauber in the upcoming 2026 season, once new regulations kicks in.

Sauber REJECTS rumors that their 2026 deal with $83 billion worth manufacturer is in jeopardy

Valtteri Bottas [L], Audi F1 show car [R] (images via IMAGO)

Alessandro Alunni Bravi of Sauber has refuted rumors that changes in the company’s leadership may jeopardize Audi’s commitment to entering Formula 1 in 2026. Since the official announcement of Audi’s acquisition of Sauber in August 2022, CEO Andreas Seidl‘s Swiss team has been expanding both its workforce and infrastructure. Audi has been working on its power unit in the meantime at a brand-new F1 facility located at its Neuberg base. But important F1 supporter CEO Markus Duesmann departed the business last year.

It’s thought that Gernot Dollner, his successor, has mixed feelings about the project. Some German reports even imply that he might be willing to sell the team and give up on the intended F1 entry. Oliver Hoffmann, the chief development officer of Audi, may be positioned between Seidl and the company’s upper management after rumors circulated last week that he was going to be promoted to an F1 position.

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I've seen that in the press there are comments about whether or not Sauber in terms of structure is adequate to become the solid foundation for a works team. What I can say is when Audi decided to acquire the Sauber Group, there was a proper due diligence done at every level, including our facilities and the technology.
Bravi said, as Reported by motorsport.com.

Bravi stated that in the media he has listened to Sauber in terms of infrastructure is not adequate. But when the Audi group acquired the Sauber group, they did not have a piece of proper knowledge about the facilities and technology upgrades required.

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Ferrari Highlights Audi’s Engine Innovation Challenge for 2026

Enrico Gualtieri of Ferrari notes that it will be more difficult for new manufacturers who have no prior experience. With F1 hybrids they will need to build new infrastructure of power units for 2026. The new regulations are challenging even for seasoned manufacturers who have ten years of experience with F1 hybrids.

Audi F1 team (Credits: Audi Sport)
Audi F1 team (Credits: Audi Sport)

The drawback, Gualtieri admitted, for the current manufacturers is that, despite performance development being capped. They must commit some resources to the ongoing programs through the end of 2025. But for the 2026 regulation, it is difficult for everyone as everyone is going to have different engine suppliers or some may build on their own.

As of 2026, Red Bull has partnered with Ford for the development of the engine. Aston Martin has partnered with Honda. Ferrari and Mercedes will be still building their engines on their own. Audi which is coming in 2026 has already started development of their engines. So it will be interesting to see who could potentially build the best engines for 2026.

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