(Motorsports news) In September, longtime Volkswagen Group manager and strategist Gernot Dollner assumed leadership of Audi following the board’s dismissal of former CEO Markus Duesmann, who spearheaded the company’s plan to enter Formula One by acquiring Sauber and building its own power unit.

In an attempt to avoid conflict with Alfa Romeo, the departing Sauber title sponsor, Audi has been mum about its F1 program; yet, this silence has raised questions about the entry’s development. Before rumors that Audi was thinking of pulling out of the Formula One altogether started to circulate, there were claims that its infant engine production was months behind competitors.

These rumors, which are said to have originated within the Volkswagen Group and Audi, remained unchecked during Dollner’s first 100 days in office because he chose to avoid the spotlight. However, Dollner has moved to reaffirm the F1 commitment in his first interview since taking over.

“There is a clear decision from the board of management and the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen that Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026,” he claimed in an interview with the German business daily Handelsblatt. The strategy is set in motion.” Principal of the Sauber team Alessandro Alunni Bravi has consistently disputed that Audi’s interest in Formula One was faltering. “There’s a simple reason why there’s a lack of communication,” he added. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is who we are.

Principal of the Sauber team Alessandro Alunni Bravi has consistently disputed that Audi’s interest in Formula One was faltering. “There’s a simple reason why there’s a lack of communication,” he added. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is who we are. We therefore fully appreciate Alfa Romeo’s decision to limit communication on the team, the future, and Audi’s engagement until the end of the year.

“Aside from things that are directly relevant to the race and the championship, we don’t want to make any announcements of any kind. As I mentioned, the commitment is present. Dollner did make reference to the previous leadership structure’s delayed decision-making process during his interview with Handelsblatt. He went on: “There once was a highly intricate web of committees.

“That is why we have now abolished an entire level of committees below the executive board… in short: we are now faster and all-important decisions are once again made by the entire executive board team.”

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