F1: Audi Set to Complete 100% Takeover of Sauber in 2026

Audi is poised to complete its full takeover of the Sauber F1 operation ahead of its official Formula One entry later in 2026.

In case you missed it, German automaker Audi previously announced a partnership with renowned Formula One (F1) outfit Sauber to enter the sport later in 2026. Initially thought to be a 75% stake takeover by the Ingolstadt-based marque, it appears that Audi is set to make a full takeover of the Swiss-based outfit.

As explained in their official announcement this week, Audi is planning to take a 100% stake in the Sauber Group in a bid to strengthen its commitment to Formula One ahead of its official entry later in the 2026 season. Current Audi technical development head Oliver Hoffman will be installed as the General Representative for Audi in the Sauber Group.

Audi AG former Technical Director Oliver Hoffman will assume a newly-formed role as the General Representative of Audi in the Sauber Group.

This newly-created position will see Hoffman in charge of the three main pillars of Audi’s F1 program, namely its stake in Sauber with Hoffman’s role as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of all Sauber companies, the development of power units for Audi F1 racecars, as well as the strategic steering and activation of the program by Audi AG.

“Formula 1 is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100% of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026,” said Hoffman.

Gernot Döllner will take charge of Audi AG's technical division alongside his main role as the CEO of Audi.

With Hoffman now fully in charge of Audi’s stake in Sauber, the Technical Director division of Audi AG will be under the custodian of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

Former McLaren F1 Team Principal Andreas Seidl will be installed as the Audi F1 Team CEO.

Meanwhile, current Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl will become the new CEO of the Audi F1 Team. Formerly known for his stint with the Porsche LMP1 squad and as the team principal of the McLaren F1 Team, Seidl will oversee the running of the Formula 1 project and act as the “face of the future Audi Formula 1 Team.”

“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,” Hoffman commented on the appointment of Seidl.

With this 100% stake takeover, Audi will be in charge of Sauber’s facilities in Hilwin, Switzerland, which will be the ground zero for the development of the Audi F1 racecar ahead of the 2026 new regulation changes. Meanwhile, Audi’s new F1 powertrain will be developed at a dedicated power unit facility in Neuberg, Germany.

Aside from Audi, the 2026 season of the Formula One World Championship will also see several other automakers entering the grid, such as Ford via its partnership with Red Bull. This move also sees Honda concluding its long partnership with the reigning world champion, as the Japanese marque will team up with the Aston Martin F1 Team from 2026 onwards.