Sauber has officially opened a new facility in Bicester, located in the heart of England’s Motorsport Valley, marking a strategic step in the team’s transformation ahead of becoming Audi in Formula 1 from the 2026 season. The new UK base aims to simplify the recruitment of engineers and boost team competitiveness, complementing Sauber’s existing operations in Hinwil, Switzerland, and Neuburg, Germany. This move is designed to overcome the logistical challenges and high employment costs associated with operating solely in Switzerland.
Sauber is currently undergoing a significant phase of restructuring and internal reorganization. As explained in a recent interview with Motorsport.com, starting from a near-clean slate offers Sauber the chance to set itself apart from other teams—not only on-track but also in terms of infrastructure and engineering philosophy.
From the 2026 season, the Swiss outfit will officially become Audi in Formula 1. However, preparations are already well underway behind the scenes under the leadership of Mattia Binotto, who is overseeing this ambitious transition. The objective is to reinforce the team structurally and technically, while expanding its workforce.
At present, Sauber employs approximately 400 fewer staff members than some rival teams. While it is not the team with the smallest headcount in Formula 1, reaching the level of the front-runners and competing consistently for victories will require fresh energy, new expertise, and innovative ideas. This is why, in recent months, Sauber has launched a major recruitment campaign. Two of the most high-profile additions are Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, who have joined the senior management team.
However, this recruitment drive is not limited to senior leadership. It also targets technical staff who are vital to the development of the Formula 1 car. Attracting experienced engineers has proven challenging for Sauber. The cost of living in Switzerland is significantly higher than in other countries where many F1 teams are based, making it harder for Sauber to recruit new talent.
The problem lies in a delicate balance: convincing engineers to take on the challenge of relocating to Switzerland while negotiating salaries that are mutually acceptable. Sauber had even advocated for a more flexible budget cap system that accounts for regional differences in labor costs, which in Switzerland can be up to 30% higher than in the United Kingdom.
If Sauber had to spend more for the same number of employees, it would have fewer resources available to invest in car development. Alternatively, the team might have to operate with a smaller workforce compared to its competitors while still trying to match their performance levels.
The solution has been to open a new satellite site in the UK, strategically positioned in Motorsport Valley—the same region where seven other F1 teams with British bases are located. Initial options included Bicester, Silverstone, and Milton Keynes, but the final decision landed on Bicester, which until recently also hosted Racing Bulls.
The goal is to tap into the rich pool of motorsport talent already concentrated in the area, eliminating the need to relocate specialists abroad. On Tuesday, Sauber officially announced the opening of its new technology center at Bicester Motion, a 444-acre site in Oxfordshire. This facility will complement the team’s historic headquarters in Hinwil—where chassis production will continue—and its power unit center in Neuburg, Germany.
Mattia Binotto, who is leading the Audi F1 project, stated that the opening of the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion is a key step in preparing for Audi’s entry into Formula 1. He explained that the facility will allow the team to access the local talent pool and strengthen its technical capabilities by integrating into the dynamic motorsport ecosystem at Bicester Motion, a place deeply embedded in racing culture. He emphasized that the support provided to Hinwil by the new site will be essential for long-term success.
Importantly, the new Bicester facility will not be counted under the 2026 cost cap regulations—a key advantage for Sauber, especially since the team has consistently highlighted how Switzerland’s high cost of living translates into significantly higher staff expenses.
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion, welcomed Sauber Motorsport, saying the move represents an exciting step in the team’s evolution into Audi F1 for the coming season. He expressed enthusiasm that Bicester Motion was chosen as the team’s UK base, connecting operations in Switzerland and Germany and supporting a vision centered on sustainability, innovation, and high performance in motorsport. He added that they look forward to seeing the Sauber team grow and continue its transformation on and off the track.
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