Audi have reached an agreement with Sauber that will see the Swiss constructor become their works team from 2026.
Sauber currently runs under the banner of Alfa Romeo, and has done since 2019, but the partnership comes to an end at the end of the 2023 season. The team will then run with Ferrari power units - who currently supply the outfit - in 2024 and 2025 before Audi takes over the year afterwards.
German car manufacturer Audi had announced back in August that they would join Formula 1 as a power unit supplier once new regulations featuring increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels were introduced in four years. Prior to this year’s Mexican Grand Prix, Audi had also said Sauber would become their strategic partner and they planned to acquire a stake in the Sauber group.
"The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid," Sauber team principal Frederic Vasseur said.
"To become Audi's official works team is not only an honour and a great responsibility. It's the best option for the future and we are fully confident we can help Audi achieve the objectives they have set for their journey in Formula 1."
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of F1, said: "It is great news to hear that Audi will have a partnership with Sauber for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
"The combination of those two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport. It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the belief in our strategy to further grow and enhance the sport while delivering on our sustainability plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in the cars in 2026.
"We look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the team's first race."
Audi, who had previously been linked with a partnership with McLaren, will create their power units in their base in Neuburg, Germany. They already have more than 120 people working on the project.
Sauber, meanwhile, will develop and manufacture their car at its HQ in Hinwil, Switzerland. They will also be responsible for planning and executing the race operations.
The first tests of Audi’s 2026 power unit in a F1 test car are expected to take place in 2025.
