Sauber refutes claims that the Audi F1 2026 project is behind schedule

Audi is set to join Formula 1 in 2026

Sauber refutes claims that the Audi F1 2026 project is behind schedule

Audi (Credits: RacingNews365)

This weekend in Belgian GP marks a year since Audi announced their entry to Formula 1 in 2026. Audi had bought a minority stake in Sauber, which is currently racing in F1 as Alfa Romeo. As per the deal, they will revert to their original name at the end of the 2023 season and become a full Audi Works team in 2026.

Audi announced in June this year that a one-cylinder mule engine has been tested and that a full specification unit will be ready by 2024. Despite this, there have been speculations that their engine program is months behind schedule. Also, the title sponsor of the Sauber F1 team, Alfa Romeo, has been struggling to give results despite strong backing from Audi. Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi was asked to elaborate on this situation.

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Bravi said that the project is completely on schedule as planned. He was also pleased to know that not many details about the program are out. He said that keeping their financial constraints in mind, the team is progressing well.

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“As for our program, it is going in the right direction. We know there are constraints also related to financial regulation, but together with Andreas Seidl [Sauber CEO] we are addressing all our weaknesses and trying to find all the best opportunities in the market,” Bravi told the media at Spa.

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Drivers who could potentially race for Audi in 2026

Neel Jani
Neel Jani (Credits: Audi MediaCenter)

Audi has already announced the first driver to join them. Neel Jani, the 39-year-old former Le Mans winner, will drive for Audi when they return to F1 in 2026. Apart from Jani, there is a long list of potential drivers which Audi might be eyeing.

The first will be Zhou Guanyu, racing for Alfa Romeo Sauber. The Chinese driver could be a good choice for Audi as he will be just 26 when contract talks begin. Audi has clarified that they are more interested in signing young drivers, which makes drivers like Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Mick Schumacher viable options for the team.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc can be a potential driver for Audi as well. Leclerc is undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers on the circuit. While he is extremely loyal to Ferrari, a lot can change in two years, and maybe he could try to win the championship with a different team if Ferrari doesn’t improve on their car and strategies.

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