Reports: Audi Completes Takeover of Major F1 Team After Talks With McLaren Failed

Incredible power, sustainable fuel, and driving innovation are the three factors the 2026 F1 regulations will focus on. The teams will primarily focus on these factors for the 2026 season before more details emerge. The new regulations, similar to the 2022 ones, will play a major role in engine manufacturing.

The regulations were a point of concern for new entrants. However, we’re past that, and Audi and Porsche are all set to join the traveling circus. The Red Bull-Porsche deal is all but confirmed from both camps with an official announcement imminent. However, the Audi brand involvement was still ambiguous, with a lot of speculation surrounding Audi’s route into F1.

However, as of yesterday, without official confirmation, Audi is a majority stakeholder in the Sauber F1 team. Sauber operates under the guise of Alfa Romeo ORLEN in the current format. The Audi Group reportedly now owns a 75% stake in the Sauber F1 team ahead of their entry into F1.

The remaining stake will remain with Sauber to make the arrangement a partnership rather than a takeover. This partnership will resemble the Sauber-BMW constellation between 2006 and 2009.

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Hinwil, one of the most modern wind tunnels in F1 and the base for Sauber, will still be the base of operation for the chassis. The power unit, however, will be manufactured in Germany at the Audi HQ in Neuburg.

The plans are laid out and after all the formalities, an official announcement can come as soon as next week. Ahead of the imminent entry, former Formula 1 drivers are already backing Audi as a team to succeed in the premier class.

Audi’s entry and success into F1 backed by former driver

Former racing driver Gerhard Berger is singing praises of Audi’s engine manufacturing capabilities. Ever since 2017, the Austrian, who has been the boss of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), has observed Audi closely.

He commented on Audi’s entry into F1, “Audi has an excellent engine department. When Audi does Formula 1, I trust them to give a good impression. Technically they are good. They are in the DTM with her engine driving in circles around the others.” (Translated by Google)

With the backing of former drivers and the support of existing teams, the Sauber-Audi power couple can become the next big thing in F1. A worthy competitor for the likes of Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.

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