Official: Audi confirms 2023 F1 entry via Sauber partnership

The famed four-ringed marque from Ingolstadt is set to enter the Formula 1 (F1) racing paddock starting next year. The move was officially confirmed this week as the VW-owned brand announced its plans to compete in the sport through a partnership with Swiss-based team Sauber (currently Alfa Romeo Racing).

Audi’s entry isn’t a surprise given the firm’s earlier announcement of its intent to join the sport. This week’s official announcement by Audi details how it will begin firstly as a commercial partner with Sauber in 2023 before transforming it into a full-fledged works team by 2026 where a new set of technical regulations – including the adoption of new synthetic fuels – take effect.

Presently, F1 cars race using only 10% renewable fuel. The 1.6-liter V6 turbo combustion unit setup will remain at the heart of the race cars. However, by 2026, the new F1 technical regulations calls for an increase in the electric power generated by up to 50% compared to current levels.

Speaking about the announcement, Oliver Hoffmann, member of the board for technical development at Audi, said: “We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious F1 project. We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.”

Current Sauber (Alfa Romeo Racing) team boss Frederic Vasseur adds, “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid. To become Audi’s official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility: it’s the best option for the future and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for their journey in F1.”

Audi’s entry into Sauber’s structure will mark the end of the veteran Swiss team’s current commercial partnership with Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the end of the current 2022 season. After which, Audi is set to take up the mantle as the team’s title sponsor in place of Alfa Romeo before evolving it into a technical partnership and help transform the outfit into a full-fledged Audi works team by 2026.

Prior to 2026, the Audi-backed Sauber team will continue competing using Sauber-designed cars driven by Ferrari-supplied power units – as it currently does as Alfa Romeo Racing. Sauber is expected to continue building and engineering their race car at their base in Hinwil, Switzerland, whereas the upcoming Audi power units for 2026 onwards will be made at the brand’s Neuburg an der Donau site.