Bottas: Audi ‘still fully committed’ to F1 project

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Whispers of uncertainty have clouded Audi's projected 2026 entry into Formula 1 in partnership with Sauber, but Valtteri Bottas assures that the manufacturer's commitment remains strong.

For several months, multiple reports have suggested that the German powerhouse might pull the plug on its F1 project.

And yet Audi’s gradual acquisition of Sauber Motorsport – racing in F1 as Stake F1 Team – continues to unfold as scheduled while its dedicated Neuberg factory in Germany pursues its research and development work on the hybrid engine that will power its F1 cars from 2026.

Bottas, addressing the rumors directly and drawing on his own understanding of the situation, dismissed them as unfounded.

“I think it's just rumours from what I understand and what I've heard,” he said, quoted by Racing News365. “They're still fully committed for the future.”

Read also: Sauber’s rotating Stake identity could face legal challenge

The driver line-up for the future Audi-backed team has been another hot topic. Rumors have linked both Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Haas Nico Hulkenberg to Audi, suggesting a desire for seasoned talent.

And of course, Bottas himself has expressed interest in joining the team, though he hasn't ruled out a return to Mercedes once Lewis Hamilton takes his Ferrari leap in 2025.

However, the Finn believes the coming months will see closer collaboration between Sauber and Audi as they prepare for their debut.

This suggests an accelerated integration and possibly more concrete information to address the ongoing speculation.

“I think the cooperation will start sometime soon, I would imagine if Audi already wants to be competitive in their first year,” Bottas said.

“Sauber and Audi will need to work together but that's all going on behind the scenes.

“As a driver, whatever meetings or stuff is happening behind the scenes, we are not always aware of those things. But things are starting to pick up now.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.