Following the announcement of its Formula 1 entry on the finish of August, Audi’s affirmation of its strategic partner marks the following milestone within the firm’s entry into the premier class of motorsport. With round 30 years of aggressive expertise, Sauber is among the most famed and conventional groups in Formula 1. While the facility unit will probably be created at Audi’s Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg an der Donau, Sauber will develop and manufacture the race automobile at its website in Hinwil (Switzerland). Sauber may also be accountable for planning and executing the race operations.
“We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development at AUDI AG. (*1*) For instance, Audi Sport has already usually used the Sauber Group’s high-tech wind tunnel in Hinwil, slightly below 4 hours away by automobile, through the profitable Le Mans period and through the growth of the Class 1 touring automobile for the DTM.
“Sauber is a first-class partner”
“Audi is the best partner for the Sauber Group,” says Finn Rausing, Chairman of Sauber Holding. “It is clear that both companies share the same values and vision. We are looking forward to achieving our common goals with a strong and successful partnership.”
Development of the facility unit, which consists of an electrical motor, battery, management methods and a combustion engine, is already in full swing on the facility of the specifically based Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg an der Donau. More than 120 staff are already engaged on the challenge. “Sauber is a first-class partner for the use of the Audi Power Unit,” says Adam Baker, managing director of the corporate. “We are looking forward to working with an experienced team that has helped shape many eras of Formula 1 history. Together, we want to write the next chapter starting in 2026.”
The growth of the Neuburg facility is in full swing
The timetable as much as the primary race with Audi participation within the 2026 season is bold: The growth of the Neuburg facility when it comes to personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure needs to be largely in place in 2023. The first checks with the facility unit developed for the 2026 rules in a Formula 1 check automobile are deliberate for 2025.
Formula 1 is taking a giant step in the direction of sustainability with the brand new rules that may come into impact from 2026. This was an vital prerequisite for Audi to determine to enter the championship. The energy models will probably be extra environment friendly than they’re right this moment, as the proportion of electrical energy will improve considerably. The electrical drivetrain will then have almost as a lot energy as the inner combustion engine, which involves 400 kW (544 hp). The extremely environment friendly 1.6-liter turbocharged engines will probably be powered by sustainable artificial gasoline that’s CO2-neutral (in response to EU requirements). Formula 1 has additionally set itself the objective of being CO2-neutral as a racing collection by 2030.