Sunday, October 25, 2026

Audi to Buy Stake in Sauber, Join Formula 1 in 2026

  • Audi is teaming with Sauber to join Formula 1 in 2026.
  • The company was drawn into the competition by F1’s move toward sustainability.
audi-formula-1-car
Formula 1

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Audi is officially joining Formula 1 when the series revamps its engine regulations.

The Volkswagen-owned carmaker confirmed longstanding rumors and announced its team-up with Sauber, beginning in 2026.

Audi plans to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group.

  • Ferrari will remain Sauber’s power unit supplier through the 2025 season.
  • Audi will construct the power units at its Neuburg facility, which it will expand throughout 2023 in personnel, building space, and technical infrastructure.
  • The first tests of Audi’s F1 power unit will come in 2025.

Porsche, another Volkwagen-owned brand, appears likely to join Audi in 2026, as its deal to buy 50% of Williams Racing is reportedly close. Porsche previously appeared to have a similar deal in place with Red Bull, but the racing team reportedly backed out.

Climate Shift

Audi was lured into the global racing series by its commitments to sustainability.

“Formula 1 is taking a big step towards sustainability with the new regulations that will come into effect from 2026,” Audi said. “This was an important prerequisite for Audi to decide to enter the championship.”

In 2026, F1 will require an electric drivetrain that has as “nearly as much power as the internal combustion engine,” per Audi, as well as CO2-neutral sustainable synthetic fuel.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mark Walter’s Sports Empire Shrinking Again

The Dodgers and Cadillac F1 remain in Walter’s portfolio despite other sales.

Red Bull’s Late Turnaround Gives Verstappen Hope for 2027

Earlier this year, Verstappen suggested retirement was on his mind.

Mark Walter’s F1 Team Still Has Zero Points After Azerbaijan GP

The Cadillac team, which began racing this year, is in 11th place.
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 3, 2026 Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in action during the race
Exclusive

Dolphins Owner Nearing Deal to Sell 20% Stake in Miami F1 Race

Stephen Ross has owned the Miami Grand Prix since 2021.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/23/26 – JJ Watt Takes CBS Chair, FIFA Rights Shake-Up, Small-Market World Series

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Exclusive

SportsGrid Up for Sale Amid Revenue Slide

Bankers have been pitching suitors since this summer.
October 8, 2026

Filing Details Jeanie Buss’s Side Deal to Remain Lakers Governor

Jeanie Buss was granted five years as team governor.
UFL co-owner Mike Repole speaks to the crowd as the UFL franchise Louisville Kings are introduced at Lynn Family Stadium. Wednesday, October 8, 2025
October 9, 2026

Mike Repole Invests in Kentucky Derby Owner Amid Push for Change

The billionaire has amassed a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.
October 6, 2026

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
Drew Weatherford
September 23, 2026

Former FSU QB Drew Weatherford Says PE Can Fix Youth Sports

Weatherford tells FOS what’s ailing the youth sports industrial complex.
Exclusive
September 16, 2026

LeBron James Polymarket Deal Worth $15 Million a Year

James is not an investor in Polymarket, just an endorser.
Ndamukong Suh
September 16, 2026

Ndamukong Suh: ‘I Don’t Necessarily Agree’ With PE in Youth Sports

“They’re always gonna be looking for those returns.”