Audi have finalised the purchase of a minority stake in Sauber ahead of its planned entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
The German manufacturer announced last August its plan to come into the pinnacle of motorsport with new engine regulations set to take effect in three years’ time.
Suggestions of an Audi stake in Sauber had floated since last October, when the Hinwil-based revealed a strategic partnership would exist between the two companies.
“The Sauber Group is pleased to announce that, as per the plans outlined in October last year, Audi acquired a minority stake in the Sauber Group in January 2023,” a statement read on the team website.
“This is an important milestone on the way to Audi’s entry in Formula One, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group will be the German brand’s strategic partner.”
Sauber has been operating under the name of Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2019 but will seize to be branded that name after the end of the 2023 season with both parties deciding not to renew their contract.
It will continue to use Ferrari engines until 2025, before switching to the full Audi F1 team the following year.
Both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have been retained as the team drivers for the 2023 season.
