How joining Audi affects the team

Partnership between Sauber and title sponsor Alfa Romeo Will expire in just one year: after 2023 season Traditional Italian producers say goodbye From the Swiss Formula 1 Racing Team.

Italian brand to be replaced by a German brand: Audi to grow from 2026 with its own engine In formula 1 One. Chassis for factory use major class Should then be built in Hinwil, Sauber would become the Audi Works team.

The traditional Swiss team is already familiar with the concept: from 2006 to 2009, the Sauber team was involved in a similar constellation. bmw with. The only victory in the history of the team is also the result of the same period – in 2008 in Canada by Robert Kubica.

Team owner Frederick Vasseur look forward to working with you With Audi “in the short term, it doesn’t matter, other than knowing we can take the next step. This is an opportunity in terms of recruitment,” says the team boss.

“But in the medium term it is unprecedented – the formula 1 becomes more and more difficult. In my opinion it is quite impossible to establish yourself as an independent team today. So it was the best option for us,” Vasseur explains.

Despite budget ceiling, gaps are in formula 1 still big. “We are still a long way from the upper limit,” the Sauber team boss explains. So we are also dependent on the results.

The location at Hinwil remains independent even after Audi joins the company. “They look after the engine at Neuchâtel. At Hinwil, the team takes care of the chassis and its use on the race track,” says Vasseur.