Audi confirmed its entry into Formula 1 as an engine manufacturer for 2026, but the company has yet to reveal its team partner for its endeavour.
According to reports, Audi is in advanced talks with Sauber to acquire a 75% stake in the Swiss company that operates the Alfa Romeo F1 team.
But the fact that Friday's announcement did not include the identity of the manufacturer's partner could indicate that Sauber owner Finn Rausing is driving a hard bargain while negotiating a sale of his majority stake in his company.
On Friday at Spa, Audi board chairman Markus Duesmann did not allude to Sauber as the manufacture's chassis and team partner but insisted a call will be made on the latter by the end of the current year.
"The long lead is the powertrain, so we had to decide on the power unit, and that's what we announce today," Duesmann said.
"The decision on the team, we will do within this year."
Audi board chairman Markus Duesmann
Duesman revealed that Audi had talked to several parties, which are believed to have been McLaren, Williams, Aston Martin and Sauber.
The Audi chairman said that regardless of the identity of its partner, the company's tie-up would be "a different way of engagement", suggesting an outright acquisition or buy-in.
"There's a likelihood of having an Audi powertrain in an existing car," said Duesmann.
"It has to be changed, but we won't set up a complete new team. The starting position for development is much better if you start with an existing car."
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