(Motorsport) Sauber, the Swiss constructor company currently running under the Alfa Romeo banner, has announced that it will become German car company Audi’s strategic partner in 2026. Sauber and Alfa Romeo’s partnership will end in 2023 but the team will continue using Ferrari’s power units in 2024 and 2025 before Audi takes over with a plan to "acquire a stake in the Sauber Group".

Sauber team principal Frederic Vasseur said “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid. To become Audi's official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility, it's the best option for the future and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for their journey in Formula 1."

Sauber had previously linked with BMW in the 2000s  and owner Finn Rausing said Audi were the "best strategic partner" for the company as they aim to compete against the likes of Alpine and McLaren at the upper half of the grid. Sauber made its debut in Formula 1 in 1993 and began it’s partnership with Alfa Romeo in 2018 but have operated with a significantly smaller budget than their counterparts, resulting in the team falling down the grid. 

Audi board member Oliver Hoffman said “We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project. We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team." 

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of F1, said: "It is great news to hear that Audi will have a partnership with Sauber for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The combination of those two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport. It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the belief in our strategy to further grow and enhance the sport while delivering on our sustainability plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in the cars in 2026. We look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the team's first race."

Audi had previously confirmed in August that they will be entering Formula 1 in four years time as a power unit supplier and were previously linked to McLaren while fellow German manufacturers Porsche saw their deal fall through with Red Bull Racing but remain interested in Formula 1. While Sauber will continue to develop the chassis at their Switzerland base, Audi will manufacture the engines in Germany. With Formula 1 aiming for net zero carbon footprint, the new engines will feature increased electrical power and will run on 100% sustainable fuel.

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