Audi has opted for a full 100% buyout of Sauber, a move that not only secures the Swiss outfit’s long-term future in Formula 1 but also delivers a short-term boost to the team.
The German automobile manufacturer had initially planned to acquire from shareholder Islero Investments - linked to Swedish billionaire Finn Rausing - a 75% holding in a phased approach starting in 2023, with Audi eventually becoming a full-fledged works team with its own engine and chassis program by 2026.
However, Audi recently announced an acceleration of its timeline and an increase of its investment, a move that signifies a shift in strategy that provides immediate financial and technical advantages for Sauber according to Xevi Pujolar, the team’s head of trackside engineering.
“For sure, it is encouraging for the future,” said the Spaniard. “But also, we need to think about today, no?”
“I would say it is important in terms of budget possibilities, and what we can build in the next year and a half or two years before Audi [arrives] fully and we are Audi.
“So, just to have the team ready, and we just need to do as much as we can now to build that team to be ready when it matters.
“But in that time, we want to still be competitive, and we want to fight for the points every single race.”
Audi’s full takeover eliminates any uncertainty surrounding Sauber's future ownership structure.
This stability creates a more focused and motivated environment within the team, potentially leading to improved performance even before the official Audi factory entry in 2026.
“I will say that even with all the issues that we have got, that gives us energy, and a positive mindset that what is coming is better and there is a light at the end of the tunnel just to make sure that we are successful.
“That's what we want to do. To be successful.”
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