From 2026, the car manufacturer Audi will compete in Formula 1 with the Swiss racing team Sauber, which is now active under the name Alfa Romeo in the premier class of motorsport.

It had been known for a long time that Audi would enter Formula 1. It was also expected that Sauber would have a role in this, but it took a while for the news to finally come out.

It is no coincidence that Audi is entering F1 in 2026. This year, a new regulation comes into force with simpler and cheaper engines that run entirely on sustainable fuel. The proportion of electric vehicles in cars will also increase significantly.

The international motorsport association FIA wants to make sport more sustainable and aims to be completely CO2-neutral by 2030. In order to come close to this goal, the engines must be operated with sustainable fuel.

‘Best option’

Currently, Finn Valtteri Bottas and Chinese talent Zhou Guanyu drive for Alfa Romeo, which will end its partnership with Sauber next year. The couple will be racing in Ferrari-powered cars and will continue to do so for the next three years. Then it’s Audi’s turn to supply the energy sources for the cars.

“Becoming Audi’s official works team is the best option for the future,” said Sauber team boss Frédéric Vasseur. “It is not only an honor but also a great responsibility. We truly believe that we can help Audi achieve the goals they have set for their Formula 1 adventure.”

The German sports car brand Porsche is also interested in participating in Formula 1. However, talks with the Austrian racing team Red Bull failed.