Audi is entering Formula 1 in 2026 as a works team after acquiring Sauber, with Mattia Binotto leading the project and Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as drivers, marking the brand's first F1 venture following its announcement as an engine supplier in 2022.
Sauber has been a prominent F1 team since 1993, known for iconic liveries, landmark results like podiums and a victory, and notable driver partnerships, before transitioning to Audi in 2026. Their history includes memorable moments such as their debut in 1993, their first podium in 1995, their best championship finish in 2001, and their only win in 2008, along with various liveries that marked different eras of the sport.
Nico Hulkenberg achieved his first-ever Formula 1 podium at the British GP, driving a perfect race from the back of the grid, which also marked a significant milestone for Sauber as they moved closer to becoming the works Audi team. The victory boosted team morale and demonstrated their improved performance, positioning them sixth in the constructors' standings.
Nico Hulkenberg achieved his first-ever F1 podium with Sauber at the British GP, finishing third in a race marked by rain and strategic excellence, which also signaled a positive momentum for Sauber's team as they aim for greater success in the season.
Mercedes gifted champagne to Sauber after Nico Hulkenberg's first F1 podium at Silverstone, where he impressively finished third from 19th on the grid, marking a significant milestone for the driver and team, with celebrations and congratulations from peers.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has acquired a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, which will become Audi's factory team in Formula 1 by 2026. This strategic investment aims to support the team's infrastructure and growth, aligning with QIA's focus on long-term growth potential. The move comes as Sauber prepares for its transition to Audi, with new leadership and driver line-ups, including Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley. The investment reflects confidence in Audi's F1 project and the growing commercial potential of Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas, driving for Sauber, has received a five-place grid penalty for the Las Vegas Grand Prix after exceeding the limit on power unit components by using a fourth energy store, violating FIA regulations. This penalty complicates Sauber's efforts to secure their first points of the season, especially as Bottas and teammate Zhou Guanyu are set to leave the team after the season's final races. Sauber has introduced a new upgrades package to improve performance, while other drivers like Sergio Perez and Alex Albon have made permissible changes to their cars.
Sauber boss Mattia Binotto has announced the signing of Gabriel Bortoleto as the team's second driver for 2025, citing the Brazilian's high potential and impressive performance in F2 as key factors in the decision. Bortoleto, who recently won the F3 title and is part of McLaren's driver development program, will join Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber. The decision to choose Bortoleto over experienced driver Valtteri Bottas reflects a growing trend in Formula 1 to invest in young talent. Binotto emphasized Bortoleto's ability to develop and improve as crucial to his selection.
Sauber has signed Brazilian F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto as their new F1 driver for the 2025 season, replacing Valtteri Bottas. Bortoleto, who has impressed with his rapid rise through the ranks, will join the team as it transitions to Audi in 2026. The young driver, supported by McLaren, is seen as a promising talent, with endorsements from figures like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. Sauber's decision reflects a focus on nurturing young talent in preparation for the upcoming Audi era.
Valtteri Bottas will leave Sauber after the 2024 Formula 1 season and is expected to rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver. Sauber, which has struggled this year, is undergoing management changes and preparing for Audi's 2026 entry. Bottas's departure follows Sauber's signing of Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 and the anticipated arrival of Gabriel Bortoleto. Bottas expressed gratitude for his time at Sauber and hinted at a possible return to Mercedes, where discussions have been ongoing.
Esteban Ocon's departure from Alpine has sparked speculation about his next move in Formula 1. Potential options include joining Haas, where he could replace Kevin Magnussen, or Sauber/Audi, depending on Carlos Sainz's decision. A move to Mercedes is a long shot but possible if their young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli isn't ready. Ocon aims to secure a seat early to avoid a repeat of his 2019 sidelining.
The Monaco Grand Prix presents a crucial opportunity for struggling F1 teams like Williams and Alpine to gain points and respectability in a challenging 2024 season. Williams' Alex Albon and Alpine's Pierre Gasly have shown promise in qualifying, but tire management and car performance remain concerns. Sauber, however, faces a steep uphill battle, relying on race-day chaos and strategic pit stops to improve their standings.
Audi has officially confirmed its complete takeover of the Sauber organization ahead of its 2026 Formula 1 entry, with plans to transition the Hinwil-based squad into a fully-fledged Audi works team. Despite previous speculation, Audi's commitment to entering F1 remains strong, with Andreas Seidl confirmed as the Audi F1 Team CEO. The takeover is expected to accelerate preparations for Audi's F1 debut and bring a new dynamic to the sport.
Sauber has made significant changes to its 2024 C44 design, including a shift to a pull-rod front suspension layout, a design favored by Red Bull and McLaren in the current ground effect era for its potential aerodynamic advantages. Despite the mechanical challenges, Sauber's technical director James Key believes the aerodynamic gains outweigh the downsides and expects other teams to follow suit. The decision to move to a pull-rod layout was made before Key joined the team, and he is confident in the team's ability to overcome the mechanical compromises associated with this design.
Sauber F1 team, now running under the Stake F1 Team name, will not use the Stake name in countries where gambling promotion is prohibited, instead using the name of their sponsor's sister company, Kick. With Stake's support, the team is taking advantage of the interim seasons to create a new identity, marked by a switch to a fluo green livery and a focus on marketing flexibility. The move away from Alfa Romeo has given the team more marketing flexibility and a clear identity, with plans to expand their fan base and reach new targets under the Stake umbrella.