Audi's F1 project off the ground after purchasing minority stake in Sauber

Sauber has announced the sale of a minority stake in the team to German luxury car brand Audi ahead of its potential full entry into Formula 1 in 2026.

Rumours of Audi entering F1 when the new set of rules and technical directives comes into play in 2026 have been circulating for some time, but the German carmaker has decided to dip its toe into the water a bit before that.

The only real surprise is that Audi has, so far, only purchased a minority stake in Sauber, but it is likely that, if things go to plan, it will steadily increase its ownership of the team ahead of a full partnership or even team takeover in 2026.

"The Sauber Group is pleased to announce that, as per the plans outlined in October last year, Audi acquired a minority stake in the Sauber Group in January 2023," read a statement from Sauber.

"This is an important milestone on the way to Audi's entry in F1, scheduled for 2026, for which the Sauber Group will be the German brand's strategic partner."

Audi's foray into F1 will be managed by former BMW executive Adam Baker, while former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl is running the Sauber Group.

"We want to be competitive in three years," Baker said.

"It is a realistic goal. We want to compete for wins in the third year. We may be required by the FIA to supply engines according to the regulations.

"If that happens, we would be prepared, for sure. But right now, we are not looking for a client team; it's too early for that. We will focus on our programme as a factory."