Audi is about to enter Method 1 in 2026 in a partnership with present group Sauber.

The automaker bought a minority stake within the Swiss F1 group early final yr, however is now reportedly planning a full takeover.

Citing individuals acquainted with the matter, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Audi initially deliberate to slowly enhance its stake in Sauber to a most 70%, however underneath the steering of recent CEO Gernot Döllner, who took over the reigns at Audi final fall, the plan has modified to full possession.

Sauber’s present essential shareholder is Longbow Finance, a Swiss funding agency that bought the group in 2016 from founder Peter Sauber and fellow key shareholder Monisha Kaltenborn.

After its cope with Alfa Romeo ended final yr, Sauber will compete in F1 this season underneath its personal title. The group’s title will probably be modified to Audi in 2026, when it turns into the official manufacturing facility group of the automaker.

Audi has established the brand new firm Audi Method Racing primarily based in Germany to supervise the F1 program. Audi Method Racing has additionally been charged with creating the new energy unit the group will use starting in 2026.

Based on Bloomberg’s sources, present Audi R&D chief Oliver Hoffmann will oversee the F1 undertaking whereas a successor for the R&D chief function remains to be being determined.

Fellow Volkswagen Group model Porsche was additionally exploring getting into F1 with its personal energy unit and probably a manufacturing facility group. Porsche was in negotiations with Pink Bull Racing, although the talks led to 2022 with no deal being brokered. Porsche mentioned on the time it stays open to an F1 entry ought to the suitable alternative come up.

Cadillac can be trying to kind an F1 entry with Andretti World, the father or mother firm of Andretti Autosport. Their bid for an entry by 2025, utilizing Renault energy items, was rejected, however there’s nonetheless an opportunity of an entry by 2028, when Common Motors would be capable to provide its personal energy unit for the group.