Audi reaches new milestone in takeover, but Sauber remains Swiss for now

Audi has reached a significant milestone in its acquisition of Sauber, completing the full purchase of Sauber Holding AG. This marks an important step toward establishing its own F1 team. The team confirmed this development to GPblog shortly after the turn of the year.

Audi, which previously held a minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, is now the sole owner of the Swiss racing team’s parent company. This paves the way for Audi to compete as a factory team in F1 from 2026. Additionally, at the end of 2024, Audi secured a significant partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which took a major stake in the team. This investment will help accelerate the team’s growth and improve facilities at its Hinwil and Neuburg plants.

Despite being under German ownership, Sauber will continue to race under the Swiss flag in 2025, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto behind the wheel. If one of these drivers achieves a remarkable victory, the Swiss national anthem will be played on the podium, reflecting the team's Swiss heritage.

From 2026, Audi will replace the Sauber name and race under the German flag. In that case, the German national anthem will play when the team wins. However, COO Mattia Binotto believes it may take some time before Audi can consistently compete for top prizes.