In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Audi has officially registered as a manufacturer of F1 engines for the upcoming 2026 regulations. This exciting development has caught the attention of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. The recent Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps saw a showcar in the pits, showcasing Audi’s presence in the prestigious championship. However, amidst management changes at Audi, doubts have arisen regarding their commitment to the takeover of the Hinwil-based Formula 1 team, Sauber.
The situation took a concerning turn when German publication BILD reported that Oliver Hoffmann, Chief Development Officer and a key figure in Audi’s F1 project, may be departing the company. This news follows the departure of ex-CEO Markus Duesmann, another influential figure in the project. Speculation suggests that Hoffmann’s potential exit stems from disagreements with current Audi CEO Gernot Dollner regarding the company’s direction, particularly in light of poor sales figures in their car division.
To address these concerns, the Volkswagen Group, of which Audi is a part, is expected to make a decision regarding Hoffmann’s future in March. One possible outcome is his involvement in the F1 project, acting as a bridge between Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and Audi senior management. However, Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi assures that any changes in personnel will not hinder the progress of the impending F1 takeover.
Alunni Bravi emphasizes the strong commitment of the Audi Group at all levels. He clarifies that the decision to enter F1 was not made by individuals but rather by the management board of Audi. This decision was subsequently confirmed by the advisory board of Audi and the supervisory board of the VW Group, solidifying their dedication to the sport. With such unwavering support, the future looks promising for Audi’s venture into the world of Formula 1.
In December, the new CEO Dollner aimed to put an end to any speculation following Duesmann’s departure, stating to Handelsblatt: “There is a definite decision from the management board and supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen that Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026.”
Dollner further mentioned that a whole layer of executive committees had been eliminated to hasten F1 advancements.
However, appointing Hoffmann to the F1 project adds an additional level of management that has often proven to be burdensome in a sporting environment.
Nevertheless, Alunni Bravi is confident that Audi’s collaboration with Sauber is progressing positively.
“The project is moving forward according to the schedule and the agreed-upon governance among shareholders,” he added.
“The internal dynamics of the board are not our concern. What we know is that we have strong support.
“Andreas Seidl is closely collaborating with the Audi team to develop our team for 2026. This is what I believe is important. Now there is some speculation in the media. It is natural that people are interested in understanding the status of the Audi project.
“But for us, the status is good. We are working diligently at all levels, in conjunction with Audi, both in Hinwil and in Neuberg. There are no changes, and as we approach the 2026 target, we need to work even harder.”
Audi has remained a silent entity in the background as Sauber closes the gap towards its acquisition, beginning with a 25% stake in the operation last year, which will eventually rise to 75%.
For some observers, the progress being made to transform Sauber into a factory team seems slow, both financially and technically, but Alunni Bravi is not worried.
“I’ve noticed that there are comments in the media about whether or not Sauber, in terms of structure, is suitable to become a solid foundation for a factory team,” he acknowledged.
“What I can say is that when Audi made the decision to acquire the Sauber Group, a thorough due diligence was conducted at every level, including our facilities and technology.
“We understand that in order to be competitive for top positions, we need to enhance and expand our facilities, increase our workforce, and invest in technology, just like all the other teams are doing.
“In the past four years, we have seen teams construct new wind tunnels to have state-of-the-art facilities. They have all invested in technology and personnel. We are doing the same.
“According to the governance, we will have the resources to achieve our goal. F1 is a sport driven by technology. Therefore, the journey is not a one-year endeavor. It is a process that we began under the leadership of Andreas, and we are working with the support of our shareholders.
“So there is and will be a lot of work to do in order to perform well, in line with the necessary timeframe to develop a factory team from an independent team. It’s a significant step, of course.”