F1 News: Sauber Reveals Big Boost Over Audi Takeover - "There Is A Light At The End Of The Tunnel"
Audi’s change of decision to buy a 100% stake at Sauber has been extremely promising for the Sauber F1 team amid the challenges it faces in the current season. Calling the takeover the light at the end of the tunnel, the team's head of trackside engineering, Xevi Pujolar, suggests that further positive changes are anticipated over the next two years as the team transitions to become Audi.
Key Takeaways:
- Audi's accelerated acquisition of Sauber has injected hope into the team amid current challenges, with the head of trackside engineering Xevi Pujolar anticipating positive changes over the next two years.
- Initially expected to purchase 75% by 2026, Audi's decision to fully acquire Sauber has increased optimism, particularly regarding car development.
- Pujolar remains confident in the team's competitive edge despite current issues, fueled by a positive outlook under Audi's ownership, dispelling doubts about the company's F1 commitment.
Sauber Press Image
Although the takeover was initially expected to be finalized by 2026, with Audi purchasing 75% of the team, the recent decision by Audi to fully acquire the team has filled Pujolar with even greater optimism. This move is seen as beneficial for the development of the car over the next two years. Speaking to the media, he said:
“For sure, it is encouraging for the future.
"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."
Adding further, Pujolar suggests that Audi's full takeover has given him a "positive mindset" to be successful in the future, despite the current problems faced by the team. He said:
“But in that time, we want to still be competitive, and we want to fight for the points every single race.
“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.”
The announcement of Audi's expedited acquisition of Sauber has dispelled concerns regarding the company's wavering commitment to its F1 program.