F1 News: Audi Takes Complete Control Of Sauber As Takeover Accelerates
Audi's strategic manoeuvre into Formula 1 accelerates as it announces the full acquisition of the Sauber Group, a move that showcases the brand's resolute commitment to the sport and motorsport in general. This takeover marks a significant milestone in Audi’s journey into the pinnacle of auto racing.
Key Takeaways:
- Audi completes its takeover of the Sauber Group, underscoring a significant expansion of its commitment to Formula 1.
- Oliver Hoffmann steps up as Chairman of the Sauber Group, with Andreas Seidl appointed CEO of the Audi F1 Team.
- The acquisition aims at enhancing Audi's global branding and ensures a streamlined approach to its Formula 1 debut in 2026.
Audi
Audi has officially announced its complete acquisition of the Sauber Group, signalling a major leap in its Formula 1 preparations. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Audi’s position in global motorsport and accelerate its readiness for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Volkswagen AG and AUDI AG Supervisory Boards' decision to take a 100 percent stake in the Sauber Group is a clear indication of Audi's ambition in Formula 1.
Oliver Hoffmann, now the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sauber, expresses his dedication and vision for the project:
"I would like to thank the entire team at Technical Development for the great performance in recent years, and I am proud of the outstanding products resulting from our intensive work that we will bring to the streets in the coming months. Motorsport, particularly Formula 1, is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100 percent of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026.
"I am pleased we were able to secure the services of Andreas Seidl as Audi F1 Team CEO. He is exactly the right man for our ambitious plan. Thanks to his broad experience from leadership roles on the manufacturer and Formula 1 team side, he will make a significant contribution to Audi’s Formula 1 project"
Andreas Seidl, stepping into the role of CEO of the Audi F1 Team, acknowledges the opportunity and the challenges ahead:
“I thank Gernot Döllner and Oliver Hoffmann for their trust and am looking forward to leading Audi into Formula 1 together with a highly motivated team as CEO of the Audi F1 Team.
"We have a clear roadmap for how we want to become competitive in Hinwil as well as in Neuburg. We have ambitious goals. Realization of them is in progress and will be further accelerated through the complete takeover of Sauber by AUDI AG.”
Underpinning this transition is the broader Audi Agenda led by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, focusing on product, technology, and enhancing the Audi brand globally. Hoffmann's shift to a role that consolidates Audi's F1 programme aligns with this vision, promising a closer integration of motorsport innovations with Audi's commercial offerings.
“I thank Oliver Hoffmann for his tireless dedication as Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development," Döllner said. "In recent years, Oliver has contributed significantly to the sharpening of the Audi product DNA that we are now bringing to market step by step with the launch of the Audi Q6 e-tron. In particular, the high-volume models based on the PPE and PPC, which are important for us, bear his signature.”
The restructuring within Audi and the strategic appointments reflect a commitment to excellence and innovation. Manfred Döss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, highlights the significance of this move:
“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment. Through the bundling of Oliver Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, we are accelerating our preparations for the 2026 season.”
This strategic realignment within Audi and the acquisition of the Sauber Group signify a robust approach towards making a mark in Formula 1. With the leadership of seasoned professionals like Hoffmann and Seidl, Audi is gearing up for a competitive entry into the sport.