Sauber confirms Audi investment and strategic partnership

The Sauber Group confirmed on Monday that Audi had acquired a minority stake in the Swiss company in January, a move that seals the two parties' partnership for Formula 1.

"The Sauber Group is pleased to announce that, as per the plans outlined in October last year, Audi acquired a minority stake in the Sauber Group in January 2023," read a statement from Sauber.

"This is an important milestone on the way to Audi’s entry in Formula One, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group will be the German brand’s strategic partner."

Audi's minority stake interest in Sauber is somewhat of a surprise as it had been expected that the German manufacturer would acquire a majority interest in the Hinwil-based group.

However, Audi could ramp up its investment in the future. But in the interim, Sauber Holding AG chairman Finn Rausing retains his controlling interest in the company.

• Read also: McNish says F1 rule changes offer Audi 'a good runway'

Audi will join the grid in F1 from 2026 when the sport introduces its new power unit regulations. Audi's hybrid engine produced at its Neuburg factory that is currently under construction will be paired with a chassis designed by Sauber in Hinwil.

Audi's efforts in F1 will be managed by former BMW Motorsport man Adam Baker who will answer to Audi board member and chief technical officer Oliver Hoffmann, while former McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl is now at the helm of Sauber Group.

Last month, Baker said that Audi's game plan for F1 is for its team to be winning races within three years of its entry into the sport.

"We want to be competitive in three years," he said. "It is a realistic goal. We want to compete for wins in the third year."

For now, Audi has no plans to supply its future power unit to other teams in F1, but that could change in the future insists Baker.

"We may be required by the FIA to supply engines according to the regulations," he said.

"If that happens, we would be prepared, for sure. But right now, we are not looking for a client team, it’s too early for that. We will focus on our programme as a factory."

This year will be the final season of Sauber's commercial partnership with Alfa Romeo in Formula 1. The team will therefore likely race under the Sauber banner in 2024 and 2025.

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