Vasseur: Audi and Sauber will 'completely split operations'

Alfa Romeo F1 team boss Fred Vasseur says Audi and Sauber won't be working under the same roof when they join forces to tackle Formula 1 from 2026.

Audi has selected Sauber Motorsports which operates the Alfa Romeo F1 team as its partner of choice for its long-awaited endeavor into Grand Prix racing.

However, the German manufacturer will apply its engineering excellence exclusively in the engine department and will run its programme from its Audi Sport factory in Neuberg.

Unlike Ferrari and now Red Bull, whose respective factory sites house both their engine and chassis units, Sauber and Audi will follow the model exploited by Alpine and Renault based on distinct operations.

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"Firstly, we will split completely operations," Vasseur confirmed when asked about Sauber's integrated collaboration with Audi.

"They will be in charge of the engine in Neuburg and the team will take care of the chassis and the operation on track from Hinwil."

In order to tightly seal their partnership, Audi will take a holding in Sauber. But Vasseur was tight-lipped on the amount of ownership the Swiss outfit will sell to its partner.

"They will take some shares in the company in the future but we didn't disclose the details of this and I won't do so," said the Frenchman.

"I think it is a good way to operate the team, and we had a look at what was working in the past for other teams, but the most important for me is not just the setup in terms of shares or who is managing who, it is a matter of mindset.

"To be able to build up in terms of strategy to be one single team and not to have [internal] 'teams' fighting each other."

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