Audi’s entry into Components 1 has moved a step nearer after the German automobile producer acquired a minority stake in Sauber.

The acquisition comes three months after Sauber confirmed they might turn out to be Audi’s strategic companion when the German marque enters Components 1 in 2026.

The Swiss constructor’s present partnership with Alfa Romeo will finish after the approaching season.

“This is a vital milestone on the way in which to Audi’s entry in Components One, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group would be the German model’s strategic companion,” Sauber stated in a press release.

Sauber will run with Ferrari energy models in 2024 and 2025, earlier than Audi steps in.

Talking in October, then-Sauber group principal Frederic Vasseur described the partnership because the “best choice for the longer term.”

“To turn out to be Audi’s official works group will not be solely an honor and an important duty, it is the most suitable choice for the longer term and we’re absolutely assured we may also help Audi obtain the targets they’ve set for his or her journey in Components 1,” he stated.

On Jan. 14, Andreas Seidl replaced Vasseur as Sauber’s chief govt after the latter joined Ferrari, and can oversee Audi’s entry into F1.

It’s Sauber’s second full works settlement after their link-up with BMW within the 2000s, with proprietor Finn Rausing insisting Audi had been the “greatest strategic companion” for the corporate.

The purpose now might be to return to at the very least the higher midfield.

Sauber, who first debuted in Components 1 in 1993, partnered with Alfa Romeo in 2018 however have nonetheless been working at a smaller finances than practically all of their rivals, and have been in the direction of the again of the grid since.

A link-up with Audi will definitely assist their trigger, with the carmaker growing engines from their German base, and the chassis nonetheless anticipated to be developed at Sauber’s Switzerland base.

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“We’re delighted to have gained such an skilled and competent companion for our formidable Components 1 venture,” stated Audi board member Oliver Hoffman, who’s answerable for the F1 program at company degree.

In a press release despatched to Sky Sports activities, an Audi spokesperson stated it is a “key milestone” for the German’s F1 entry in 2026.

“As a part of the acquisition, Julius Seebach joined the Sauber board of administrators because the official consultant of the Audi AG,” the assertion added.

Final week, it was introduced that Alessandro Alunnni Bravi would take up a senior leadership role beneath Seidl, which is able to see him tackle media duties throughout the 2023 seasons.

Alunni Bravi who can be managing director of the Sauber Group that runs the Swiss-based group, has been given the official title of group consultant.

Sauber compete as Alfa Romeo in what’s successfully a title sponsorship with the Stellantis-owned model. That deal is because of finish after the 2023 season with the group as a consequence of race as Audi from 2026.

Audi confirmed in August they would be entering Formula 1 in 4 years as an influence unit provider and had been beforehand linked with a partnership with McLaren.

Fellow Volkswagen model Porsche, in the meantime, noticed a deal fall by means of with Pink Bull however nonetheless retain an F1 curiosity.