A Gradual Entry
Starting in January 2023, Audi began gradually acquiring equity in the Sauber F1 team, initially purchasing 25% and later planning to reach a 75% stake by 2025. However, reports in recent months suggested the intention to complete the full 100% acquisition by January 1 of this year to accelerate preparations for the 2026 season, when the team will officially carry the Audi name.
Acquisition Completed
German magazine *Auto, Motor und Sport* confirmed with the Ingolstadt-based company that the deal has been finalized: “The complete acquisition of Sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was completed as planned in January 2025. This marks another significant step for Audi towards Formula 1.”
Reports suggest a purchase price of €600 million, a figure considered a bargain for Audi given that all F1 teams are currently valued at a minimum of €1 billion. In November 2024, the sale of a minority stake in the team to the Qatar Investment Authority was also formalized, resulting in the current share distribution of 70% Audi and 30% Qatar Investment Authority.
Future Prospects
Audi is fully focused on 2026, making the upcoming season a transitional year. Appropriately, the team will retain the name Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. Key future roles have already been filled, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as the F1 project manager for the German brand and Jonathan Wheatley as team principal. The team will debut its new power unit, developed at the Neuburg facility, alongside a fuel supply agreement already signed with Castrol, as part of the new regulatory overhaul.
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