P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi is gearing up for its full-time F1 entry in 2026 and has now reached an important milestone ahead of its arrival.
Audi has completed its takeover of the Sauber team ahead of its arrival on the F1 grid in 2026. This move was announced back in 2022 when the German manufacturer revealed its plans to join the sport with its own power unit once new technical regulations were in place. The project is currently under the guidance of Mattia Binotto, who took on the roles of chief operating officer and chief technical officer in August of the previous year, after his time at Ferrari. Jonathan Wheatley will also join the team as the new team principal in April, coming from his role as a sporting director at Red Bull. Following its takeover of Sauber Holding AG, Audi is now the sole owner of the parent company of the Swiss racing team, after initially holding a minority stake. The recent acquisition, estimated at around €600 million, aims to revitalize the team after a challenging 2024 season where it struggled to secure points. Stake will start the upcoming season with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as their new drivers, replacing Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.
