On the eve of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Audi has formally confirmed that it plans to complete its acquisition of the Sauber organisation forward of its 2026 Formula 1 entry.
In August 2022, Audi introduced its plans to take over the Sauber F1 group in 2026 when new technical rules will take impact. However, with modifications in Audi’s administration, rumours have began to flow into a number of occasions that the German producer may name off its F1 dedication.
The Ingolstadt-based producer has now confirmed its plans to take a one hundred pc stake within the Sauber Group. Audi has introduced {that a} corresponding settlement has been reached with the present majority shareholder, Islero Investments AG, which totally helps the change.
Oliver Hoffmann, at present heading the Technical Development division, can be made a General Representative by the Board of Management, and consequently can be chargeable for implementing AUDI AG’s Formula 1 dedication and entry into the highest stage of motorsport. The newly created place will unite all three pillars of the Formula 1 program: the stake within the storied Swiss racing group, improvement of the facility unit by the Audi Formula Racing GmbH on the Neuburg website, in addition to the strategic steering and activation of this system by AUDI AG.
General consultant Oliver Hoffman mentioned: “I wish to thank your entire group at Technical Development for the good efficiency lately, and I’m happy with the excellent merchandise ensuing from our intensive work that we’ll carry to the streets within the coming months.
“Motorsport, particularly Formula 1, is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100 per cent of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026.”
Hoffman added: “I’m happy we had been in a position to safe the providers of Andreas Seidl as Audi F1 Team CEO. He is precisely the precise man for our formidable plan. Thanks to his broad expertise from management roles on the producer and Formula 1 group aspect, he’ll make a big contribution to Audi’s Formula 1 mission.”
In reference to this, Oliver Hoffmann is stepping down as a Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner will take cost of the Technical Development division along with his present obligations. He will proceed the continuing transformation of Technical Development. Besides shortening improvement occasions, the main target is especially on extra environment friendly constructions and clear areas of accountability with a view to operationalize the prioritization of merchandise and applied sciences as prescribed by the Audi Agenda.
In preparation of its entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026, Audi is filling one other key position. As Audi F1 Team CEO, Andreas Seidl can be answerable for the implementation of the Audi F1 mission in addition to the Audi F1 Team. He may also be the face of the long run Audi Formula 1 Team.
Born in Passau, Germany, Seidl started his motorsport profession in BMW’s Formula 1 program; he was additionally Director of Race Operations throughout his time there. As Team Principal, Seidl celebrated a number of world championships and three total victories on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. From 2019 to 2022, Seidl was Team Principal of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, earlier than taking up as CEO of Sauber Group in 2023.
Seidl commented: “I thank Gernot Döllner and Oliver Hoffmann for his or her belief and am trying ahead to main Audi into Formula 1 along with a extremely motivated group as CEO of the Audi F1 Team.
“We have a transparent roadmap for the way we wish to grow to be aggressive in Hinwil in addition to in Neuburg. We have formidable targets. Realization of them is in progress and can be additional accelerated by way of the complete takeover of Sauber by AUDI AG.”
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