Is the Sauber name making a comeback?
Will the Sauber name return to Formula 1 as the official team name? That is conceivable at least for two years. Because Audi will not enter Formula 1 with its engine until 2026. And Alfa Romeo will withdraw as name sponsor after 2023.
So you have to bridge two years in which the team could use its original name again. It seems unlikely that Audi could give its name beforehand, even though the team (probably) drives with Ferrari engines.
But: We have already seen a lot in Formula 1 – especially with this team. Key word: BMW-Sauber Ferrari. That’s how it was in 2010 after BMW left. The name of the Bavarian manufacturer was still borne for a year, but Ferrari engines were used.
Lawson back in the AlphaTauri
Let’s turn to other news first. Liam Lawson is allowed to train for AlphaTauri in Mexico and drive there for Yuki Tsunoda. AlphaTauri has thus done its duty, because Lawson was already in action for Pierre Gasly in Spa.
The New Zealander will probably even get another chance: because world champion Max Verstappen is the only one who has not yet been announced a replacement. He will probably sit out in Abu Dhabi because Red Bull had already indicated that he would also be allowed to train for Red Bull.
Sergio Perez was suspended in Barcelona, but Jüri Vips, who was used at the time, is no longer part of the Red Bull squad.
The Story of Clean
Time to look again at the illustrious story of Peter Sauber’s life’s work!
Vasseur: Important step towards the top
What the future of Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur will look like is unclear. He says: “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is an important step for our team on the way to the front of the grid.”
“Becoming Audi’s official works team is not only an honor and a great responsibility: it is the best option for the future and we firmly believe that we can help Audi to achieve the goals they have set for their way into Formula 1.”
All information in the video
You can also get all the information about the new deal between Audi and Sauber in video form: Editor-in-Chief Christian Nimmervoll has the Formula1.de YouTube channel once again set out everything you need to know about this red hot news.
Now it’s clear: Audi buys Sauber!
It was already known that Audi was coming into Formula 1. Now the partner has also been decided: Audi is acquiring shares in the Swiss Sauber team. More Formula 1 videos
What’s next?
Audi will join in 2026. While that sounds like a lot of time, there is nothing like that in Formula 1. Audi has announced the roadmap of what it should look like in the coming years.
In 2023, the expansion of the Neuburg site in terms of personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure should be largely complete. The first test drives with the power unit developed for the 2026 regulations in a Formula 1 test car are planned for 2025.
The development of the power unit is already in full swing at the location of the specially founded Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg an der Donau. More than 120 employees are already working on the project.
While the drive unit is being developed in Audi’s motorsport competence center, Sauber will be developing and manufacturing the emergency vehicle at the Hinwil (Switzerland) site. Sauber will also be responsible for planning and running the races – just like before.
Domenicali: Great news
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali also made a statement on Audi’s entry: “It’s great news to hear that Audi will partner with Sauber for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026,” he says.
“The combination of these two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport. It underscores the strong momentum of Formula 1 and the belief in our strategy to continue to grow and improve the sport while delivering on our sustainability plans that aim to reach 2030 to be carbon neutral with advanced, sustainable fuels in cars by 2026.”
“We look forward to seeing the team’s progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the first race,” said the Italian.
Rausing: Audi the best partner
“Audi is the best partner for the Sauber Group,” says Finn Rausing, Chairman of the Sauber Holding. “It is clear that both companies share the same values and vision. We look forward to achieving common goals with a strong and successful partnership.”
Audi will buy Sauber shares
Audi has announced that it will take over shares in the Sauber Group. However, it was agreed not to disclose the exact details. It is therefore not clear how many shares and at what price Audi will buy.
“We are delighted to have found such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s Board Member for Technical Development. “We already know the Sauber Group with its ultra-modern location and experienced team from previous cooperations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.”
The Audi factory team will be clean!
The news is out: from 2026, Sauber will become the official Audi works team.
Here is the news about it.
The voltage increases
We’re slowly turning our attention back to the big Audi announcement. In less than ten minutes it’s time!
And another excited in the car
Namely Sergio Perez, who did a show run in his native Mexico, in Guadalajara – the perfect preparation for the home game!
Another junior in F1 car
Zak O’Sullivan was also allowed to drive a Formula 1 car at Silverstone. The 17-year-old is actually a Williams junior, but has now been allowed to drive an Aston Martin. That was the award for winning the 2021 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award.
You can read here what the Brit did during the test and how he experienced it.
Jack Doohan races in Mexico and Abu Dhabi
Until then, let’s take care of some other news. Alpine has announced that Jack Doohan will be allowed to attend the two rookie training sessions for Alpine. Actually, Oscar Piastri should have this role, but for known reasons that will not happen.
Doohan will drive for Esteban Ocon in Mexico and for Fernando Alonso in Abu Dhabi.
This leaves us with only a few gaps in ours List of Friday drivers for 2022.
Will you join Sauber?
The logical step would actually be the announcement of a partner team, which has been anticipated for some time. And all indications point to Sauber and an early entry before 2026.
Because the rumors have been floating around in the paddock for a long time, especially since Alfa Romeo will end its sponsorship at the end of the 2023 season. And: Audi CEO Markus Duesmann gave the first TV interviews about getting started even before the Sauber motorhome.
Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff also recently assumed a partnership. He said that Volkswagen and therefore also Audi have “the financial strength, the know-how and the motorsport expertise” to get a great project off the ground, and I think the marriage with Sauber is one that fits .”