A car on display in the pits as Audi has officially registered as a manufacturer of engines for the F1 championship in 2026. On August 26, 2022, during the Practice Day of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, Volkswagen AG announced its strengthened commitment to Formula 1. They revealed that Audi will now acquire a 100% stake in the Sauber operation, instead of the previously planned 75%. Andreas Seidl has been appointed as the public face of the project, taking on the role of Audi F1 CEO. This confirmation comes after reports earlier this week that Audi was planning to increase its involvement in Formula 1 before its entry in 2026.
Seidl, the current CEO of Sauber, will now lead the Audi F1 project as its public representative. In addition, Oliver Hoffmann, as previously mentioned, will have an overseeing role in the entire Audi F1 operation. This includes managing the Sauber base in Hinwill, the development of the Audi power unit in Neuburg, and providing strategic direction for the project. Hoffmann will be named the General Representative of the Audi F1 project and will also chair the shareholder committee of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, as well as becoming the Chairman of the Board of Directors of all Sauber companies.
As a result of his new responsibilities, Hoffmann will step down from his position as Technical Development head on the Audi Board of Management. These duties will now be taken on by CEO Gernot Döllner. Manfred Döss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, expressed the significance of Audi’s entry into Formula 1, both in terms of their motorsport history and the financial commitment it entails. He stated that the consolidation of Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete acquisition of the Sauber Group will accelerate their preparations for the 2026 season.
Jörg Schlagbauer, Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, emphasized the need for Audi to remain technologically flexible and future-proof. He highlighted the importance of having a clear direction, with the motto ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ (advancement through technology) as their aspiration. Schlagbauer expressed his anticipation for closer collaboration with Gernot Döllner and thanked Oliver Hoffmann for his contributions. He wished them success in the premier class of motorsport.
Hoffmann himself expressed his passion for motorsport, particularly Formula 1. He firmly believes that by consolidating responsibilities and acquiring 100% ownership of the Sauber Group, Audi will accelerate its preparations for the launch in 2026.
“I am delighted that we have managed to secure the services of Andreas Seidl as the CEO of the Audi F1 Team. He is the perfect candidate for our ambitious plan. With his extensive experience in leadership positions within both manufacturers and Formula 1 teams, he will play a crucial role in Audi’s Formula 1 project.”
Seidl expressed his gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank Gernot Döllner and Oliver Hoffmann for their trust in me. I am excited about leading Audi into Formula 1 as the CEO of the Audi F1 Team, alongside a highly motivated team.
“We have a clear roadmap for achieving competitiveness in both Hinwil and Neuburg. Our goals are ambitious.
“We are currently in the process of realizing these goals, and the complete takeover of Sauber by AUDI AG will further accelerate our progress.”
Audi initially acquired a 25% stake in Sauber before the 2023 season, and it was expected that the German company would increase this to a three-quarter stake in the Swiss-based F1 team.
Audi’s decision to pursue a full takeover demonstrates their strong determination to make their F1 works team a resounding success.