Audi is preparing to enter the world of Formula 1 in the 2026 season alongside Sauber, as new regulations come into effect. Despite rumors surrounding changes in Sauber’s leadership, the team’s CEO has denied any potential threat to Audi’s commitment. Since Audi’s acquisition of Sauber in August 2022, the Swiss team has been expanding its workforce and infrastructure, while Audi has been working on its power unit at a new F1 facility in Neuberg. However, the departure of an important F1 supporter from the business last year has raised concerns about the project’s future.
There are reports suggesting that the successor to the departed CEO may have mixed feelings about the F1 entry and could potentially sell the team. Meanwhile, rumors have circulated about the chief development officer of Audi being promoted to an F1 position, which could put him in a position between Seidl and the company’s upper management.
According to Bravi, the media has raised concerns about the adequacy of Sauber’s infrastructure, but when Audi acquired the team, they were not fully aware of the necessary facilities and technology upgrades. Enrico Gualtieri from Ferrari acknowledges that new manufacturers without prior experience will face greater difficulties in adapting to the new F1 hybrid regulations and building the required infrastructure for power units in 2026. Even seasoned manufacturers with ten years of F1 hybrid experience find the new regulations challenging.
Gualtieri admits that current manufacturers face a drawback as they are required to allocate resources to ongoing programs until the end of 2025, despite performance development being capped. However, the 2026 regulations present a new challenge for everyone, as each team will have different engine suppliers or may choose to develop their own.
Starting in 2026, Red Bull has partnered with Ford for engine development, while Aston Martin has joined forces with Honda. Ferrari and Mercedes will continue building their own engines, and Audi, set to enter in 2026, has already begun developing their engines. The competition to create the best engines for 2026 will certainly be intriguing.