Audi will enter F1 in 2026 but would like to settle the ownership issue as soon as possible, accelerating plans to acquire Sauber. According to what was reported by Corriere dello Sport and the Motorsport the operation initially scheduled for 2026, could be brought forward to 2025, signaling the clear desire of the German car manufacturer not to waste time and to prepare as best as possible for the debut in the Formula 1 World Championship. With the reorganization underway at within the Swiss team and the arrival of key figures such as Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, Audi proves ready to build a competitive team right from the start.
Audi plans to take over Sauber before 2026
Audi could decide to bring forward its acquisition plans, taking over Sauber as early as 2025. This move would be in line with the desire to accelerate the development of the team and be prepared for 2026, the year in which Audi's official debut in Formula 1 is expected With the possible early acquisition, Audi demonstrates that it intends to face the challenge of Formula 1 with great determination, focusing on a strategic approach that includes the integration of key figures such as Binotto and Wheatley and the exploration of new talents for the future.
Although the agreement between Audi and Islero Investments AG, current owner of the Sauber team, has not yet been officially signed, the acquisition is expected to be completed as early as January 1, 2025, one year earlier than initial plans for 2026. This advance would allow Audi to start preparing its entry into Formula 1 well in advance, but would not allow the German company to officially name the team as early as next season. For the more sporty aspect we will therefore necessarily have to wait until 2026.
It matters little, given that an entire property is at stake.
Binotto and Wheatley: the pillars of the new Audi project
The entry of Mattia Binotto as Sauber's new technical manager represents one of the strongest signals of Audi's determination to establish itself in Formula 1. After leaving Ferrari, Binotto brings with him experience that will be fundamental to the success of the transition . Alongside him, Jonathan Wheatley, already known for his crucial role at Red Bull as sporting director, will help strengthen the team with his strategic experience. The arrival of these two leading names clearly indicates that Audi is determined to build a solid project, capable of competing at the highest levels already in the short term, with the aim of being ready for 2026, but with the concrete possibility of accelerating the times.
Pilot market still at a standstill
While Audi works on the managerial front, the drivers market remains a hot and uncertain topic. The objective is to build a solid team also from the point of view of the drivers, but final decisions have not yet been made. In this context, the next Dutch Grand Prix will offer an opportunity to test new talents: Valtteri Bottas, currently working for Sauber, will in fact be replaced in FP1 by Robert Schwartzman. This choice could indicate the intention to explore new options in view of the acquisition brought forward to 2025. Shwartzman, a young driver from the Ferrari academy, will thus have the opportunity to demonstrate his value, positioning himself as a potential resource for the future of the Audi team. Sauber which at the moment has only confirmed 1 of the two seats, entrusting it to an expert driver, Nico Hulkenberg.
