Audi accelerates F1 entry with Sauber Group acquisition
Entry scheduled for the 2026 season
In a strategic move led by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the iconic brand with the four rings is intensifying its focus on the future through the Audi Agenda.
With a keen eye on product and technology development, alongside a more robust global presence for the Audi brand, the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen have unanimously decided to bolster their commitment to Formula 1, ramping up preparations for the 2026 season.
Audi is set to take full ownership of the Sauber Group, marking a significant leap towards a 100% stake.
Pivotal role
Oliver Hoffmann, the current head of the Technical Development division, is poised to play a pivotal role as the general representative overseeing the entire Audi Formula 1 programme.
Meanwhile, Andreas Seidl, appointed as the CEO of the Audi F1 Team, will be responsible for project implementation and overall team management.
The move also sees Oliver Hoffmann stepping down from the board of management of Audi, with Gernot Döllner assuming additional responsibilities for the Technical Development division.
This restructuring aligns with Audi’s commitment to streamlining development processes, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring clear areas of responsibility in line with the Audi Agenda.
Audi’s comprehensive plan involves taking control of Sauber Holding, with a mutual agreement with the current majority shareholder, Islero Investments.
Oliver Hoffmann is slated to become chair of the board of directors for all Sauber companies, solidifying Audi’s position in the premier motorsport class.
‘Sporting challenge’
Manfred Döss, Chair of Audi’s supervisory board, said: “The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment.
“By bundling Oliver Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, we are accelerating our preparations for the 2026 season.”
Jörg Schlagbauer, Vice-Chairman of the supervisory board and Chair of Audi’s General Works Council emphasised Audi’s need to remain technologically flexible and future-proof, echoing the brand’s commitment to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’
Gernot Döllner, Chair of Audi’s board of management, expressed gratitude to Oliver Hoffmann for his dedication to Technical Development and highlighted his significant contributions to shaping Audi’s product DNA. Hoffmann’s extensive motorsport experience makes him the ideal leader for this critical phase.
In preparation for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026, Audi has appointed Andreas Seidl as the CEO of the Audi F1 Team.
Seidl brings a wealth of experience, having held leadership roles in BMW’s Formula 1 programme and serving as Team Principal for the McLaren Formula 1 Team from 2019 to 2022.
Andreas Seidl said, “I thank Gernot Döllner and Oliver Hoffmann for their trust. As CEO of the Audi F1 Team, I look forward to leading Audi into Formula 1 with a highly motivated team.
“We have a clear roadmap for how we want to become competitive, and the realisation of our ambitious goals is in progress. It will be further accelerated through Audi’s complete takeover of Sauber.”
Featured image: Oliver Hoffmann takes over responsibility for Audi’s Formula 1 commitment. Credit: Audi
