Audi is exploring a full takeover of the Sauber Formula One team ahead of its entry to the series in 2026, according to Bloomberg.
(Un)confirmed:
- Sources indicate Audi wants 100 per cent ownership of the team
- Audi is currently on course for a 75 per cent stake ahead of its entry in 2026
Context:
Audi originally purchased a 25 per cent stake in the Swiss outfit prior to the 2023 season, with a view to this increasing with further 25 per cent stakes in 2024 and 2025. Originally, this would have taken the German marque to around 75 per cent ownership of the team, but priorities appear to have changed.
Markus Duesmann, who drove Audi’s interest in Formula One, left as chief executive at the end of last year. His replacement, Gernot Döllner, has reportedly set his sights on 100 per cent ownership instead. Sauber is currently owned by Longbow Finance.
Comment:
A Sauber spokesperson told Bloomberg: “[Audi’s minority stake is an] important milestone on the way to Audi’s entry in Formula One in 2026, for which the Sauber Group will be the brand’s strategic partner and its works team. We do not further comment about the team’s shareholding structure at this time.”
Coming next:
The 2024 Formula One season gets underway this weekend in Bahrain from 29th February to 2nd March, where the Sauber outfit will compete for the first time under its new title sponsorship agreement with Stake.
Go deeper:
- Alessandro Alunni Bravi on why replacing Alfa Romeo with Stake gives Sauber ‘a strong identity’
- ‘How many brands are willing to pay US$60m?’: The business of Formula One title sponsorships in 2023
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