Audi accelerates preparations for a successful entry into Formula 1
Under the leadership of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the brand with the four rings has outlined its future focus with the Audi Agenda. Product and technology, as well as the stronger positioning of the Audi brand on the global stage are in focus. Against this backdrop, the Members of the Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG have decided to strengthen their commitment to Formula 1 and accelerate preparations for the start of the 2026 season. Audi plans to acquire a 100 percent stake in the Sauber Group. Oliver Hoffmann is set to be the person responsible for the Audi Formula 1 program overall as a General Representative. As CEO of the Audi F1 Team, Andreas Seidl will be responsible for the implementation of the F1 project, as well as the management of the Audi F1 Team.
Oliver Hoffmann, currently heading the Technical Development division, will be made a General Representative by the Board of Management and will be responsible for implementing AUDI AG’s Formula 1 commitment and entry into the top level of motorsport. The newly created position will unite all three pillars of the Formula 1 program: the stake in the storied Swiss racing team, development of the power unit by the Audi Formula Racing GmbH at the Neuburg site, as well as the strategic steering and activation of the program by AUDI AG. Besides the successful launch of the Formula 1 program, this bundling also aims to strengthen the Audi brand on the global stage and ensure close collaboration between motorsports and series production.
In this context, Audi plans to take over 100 percent of Sauber Holding AG. A corresponding agreement has been reached with the current majority shareholder Islero Investments AG, which fully supports the change. In addition to chairing the shareholder committee of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, Oliver Hoffmann will become chairman of the board of directors of all Sauber companies.
In connection with this, Oliver Hoffmann is stepping down as a member of the board of management of AUDI AG. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner will take charge of the Technical Development division, in addition to his existing responsibilities. He will continue the ongoing transformation of Technical Development. Besides shortening development times, the focus is mainly on more efficient structures and clear areas of responsibility in order to operationalize the prioritization of products and technologies as prescribed by the Audi Agenda.
In preparation for its entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026, Audi is filling another key role. As Audi F1 Team CEO, Andreas Seidl will be in charge of the implementation of the Audi F1 project, as well as the Audi F1 Team. He will also be the face of the future Audi Formula 1 Team.
“The entry into Formula 1 is not only the pinnacle of Audi’s very successful history in motorsport, but also as big a sporting challenge as it is a financial commitment. Through the bundling of Oliver Hoffmann’s responsibilities and the complete takeover of the Sauber Group, we are accelerating our preparations for the 2026 season,” said Manfred Döss, chairman of the supervisory board of AUDI AG.
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