Sauber’s future in Formula 1 is set to be a tale of evolution and strategic alliances. As the team prepares for its partnership with Audi, which is gaining momentum for 2026, it also maintains a strong bond with Ferrari, its current engine supplier.
Recent reports confirm Audi’s unwavering commitment to its F1 project for 2026, dispelling previous speculations of uncertainty. Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi reinforces this, outlining the team’s growth strategy in tandem with Audi.
Speaking to Italy’s Autosprint, Bravi revealed, “We are currently 550 people, half of a top team. The objective with Audi is to progressively increase to at least 700 people. And that’s not counting Audi’s engine engineers.”
Bravi also provided insights into the ownership changes underway. “Audi already owns a ‘minority share’ of the Hinwil based team,” he said. Over the next few years, Audi’s stake is set to grow, culminating in a significant shift by 2026. “Over the next few years they will progressively acquire more of the company to reach the absolute majority at the beginning of 2026,” Bravi explained. “At that moment the team will change ownership and name and run as Audi.”
This transition follows the end of Sauber’s official naming deal with Alfa Romeo. However, Bravi is clear that this change won’t impact the team’s relationship with Ferrari, their current engine supplier. “Absolutely not,” he insisted. “They are two very different contracts. Sauber will continue to race with Ferrari engines in the next two years – 2024 and 2025. The relationship with Ferrari is very important for us.”
He further elaborated on the team’s strategic choices, recalling a pivotal moment in 2017. “To tie ourselves to Ferrari, we gave up our previous partners. In 2017 we had two supply contracts – one with Honda for the engines and one with McLaren for the gearbox. But as soon as the possibility of an agreement with (Sergio) Marchionne and Ferrari arose, we decided to stop the contracts because he (Marchionne) wanted to bring the Alfa brand back to Formula 1,” Bravi explained.
As Sauber gears up for its next chapter, the team will return to its original branding in 2024, with a new sponsorship deal, before transitioning into the Audi era starting in 2026. Bravi confirms, “Audi has decided to enter F1 and equip itself with a team. In January 2023, Audi decided to acquire a part of Sauber from the current ownership. Ferrari was always informed of the existing plans. The relationship with Maranello is solid for the next two years.”
