Audi confirms complete takeover of the Sauber F1 team
Ahead of the full works rebranding in 2026, Audi has confirmed that its complete takeover of the Hinwil-based Sauber outfits has been fully completed this month.
In August 2022, Audi announced its plans to take over the Sauber F1 team in 2026 when new technical regulations will take effect. However, with changes in Audi's management, rumours had started to circulate multiple times that the German manufacturer might call off its F1 commitment.
Last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix then saw the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer confirm its plans to take a 100 percent stake in the Sauber Group., with Audi announcing that a corresponding agreement had been reached with the current majority shareholder, Islero Investments AG.
In the meantime, Audi created a facility in Neuburg a. d. Donau which is responsible for the development of the F1 hybrid drive. Together with the Hinwil facility, the team from Neuburg will form the future factory team with which Audi will compete in the top class in 2026.
Ahead of last year's Qatar Grand Prix, Audi then confirmed that QIA, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG that will become Audi's future factory team.
The German marque explained that QIA’s investment will provide a substantial capital injection and pave the way for increasing infrastructure.
The German car manufacturer has now confirmed to Auto Motor und Sport that the complete takeover of the Sauber outfit has been completed
"The complete takeover of Sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was completed as planned in January 2025. Audi has thus taken the next important step on the way to Formula 1 shortly after the turn of the year. Audi previously held a minority stake in Sauber Holding AG.
It is unknown when Audi intends to sell the minority stake to Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, but it is believed that deal will involve the transfer of about 30 percent of the shares.
