F1 News: Sauber Addresses Audi Entry Amid Cancellation Rumors
Sauber managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi has stated that, despite alterations in Audi's leadership and the circulating rumors about canceling the F1 entry, the manufacturer's plans remain unaltered. He underscored that irrespective of the changes occurring at Audi, the German manufacturer is firmly dedicated to its F1 project for 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Sauber's director, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, dismisses doubts about Audi's commitment to F1 in 2026 amid leadership changes and rumors.
- Despite speculation, Sauber asserts that Audi, under new CEO Gernot Dollner, remains dedicated to the F1 project.
- Sauber, led by CEO Andreas Seidl, continues infrastructure development, addressing concerns, and emphasizing transparency in ongoing progress for the 2026 entry.
Speculations arose after the exit of Audi CEO Markus Duesmann last year, who had a strong inclination for Audi's entry into Formula 1. The recently appointed CEO, Gernot Dollner, is reportedly cautious about the F1 project, and there are indications that he might consider selling the team and scrapping the planned F1 entry.
Since the official announcement of Audi's acquisition of Sauber in August 2022 under the leadership of CEO Andreas Seidl, the team has been expanding its infrastructure and workforce.
Meanwhile, Audi has been developing its power unit at a dedicated new F1 facility at its Neuberg base. Last week, there were indications that Audi chief development officer Oliver Hoffmann is set to be moved into an F1 role, potentially placing him between Seidl and the company’s top management.
Highlighting the managerial changes at Audi, Alunni Bravi said that the German manufacturer was committed to the F1 project at all levels, and any change in the structure would not affect its Formula 1 entry plans. He told Motorsport.com:
“There is a strong commitment from the Audi Group at all levels.
“We always said that the decision to enter into F1 was not based on a decision of single individuals, but was based on the decision of the management board of Audi.
“And it's then been confirmed by the advisory board of Audi and the supervisory board of VW Group. So the commitment is there.”
Timelines Being Matched For 2026 Entry
Speculations also suggested that the Audi F1 project was not moving as per the timelines laid out, but Alunni Bravi dismissed the rumors. He explained:
“The project is proceeding according to the timeline and the agreed governance between shareholders.
“The dynamic within the board is not for us to comment on. But what we know is that we have a strong support.
“Andreas Seidl is working closely with the Audi people to develop our team towards 2026. This is what I think is important. Now there is some media speculation. It is normal that it is interesting to understand the status of the Audi project.
“But for us, the status is a good one. We are working hard at every level, together with Audi, both in Hinwil and in Neuberg. There is no change, and as we are approaching more and more the target of 2026, we need to work even harder.”
Ongoing Infrastructural Progress
Alunni Bravi also addressed reports that questioned Sauber's Infrastructural capabilities. He added:
“I've seen that in the press there are comments about whether or not Sauber in terms of structure is adequate to become the solid foundation for a works team.
“What I can say is when Audi decided to acquire the Sauber Group, there was a proper due diligence done at every level, including our facilities and the technology.
“We know that in order to become competitive for top positions we need to improve our facilities, to expand our facilities, our headcount, to invest in technology as all the teams are doing.
“We have seen in the last four years teams build new wind tunnels, in order to have a state-of-the-art facilities. They have all invested in technology and in people. We are doing the same.
“According to the governance, we will have the resources to reach our target. F1 is a technology sport. So the journey is not a one-year journey. It's a process that we started under the leadership of Andreas, and we are working with the support of our shareholders.
“So there is and there will be everything to do to do a good job, according to the timing that is necessary to develop a works team from an independent team. It's a big step, of course.”
Rumors Not a Distraction But Part of F1
Alunni Bravi emphasized that Sauber will maintain transparency in all aspects for concerned parties and prospective recruits, ensuring there is no cause for distraction. He concluded:
“I don't think there is distraction because with all the parties that we are speaking with, drivers and engineers, the project is clear.
“They know exactly the timeline of our project, they know exactly who is the leader of our group, Andreas Seidl, and his vision.
“So we are fully transparent. I think that we have already performed a good recruitment plan, and we will see people coming each week.
“We are working hard, but as I mentioned, it is a long process. For me, there is no distraction. Of course, there is a lot of media speculation, as always in F1, but this is part of our sport. And I'm happy to see the interest around the project.”
