Audi is the new Formula 1 works team entering the grid in 2026, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as its drivers.

Audi will officially enter Formula 1 in 2026. With Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, the German manufacturer combines experience with young talent. Jonathan Wheatley remains team principal.

Due to the major regulation changes in 2026, Audi has a realistic opportunity to be competitive from the start. The team will run its own Audi-developed power unit.

As part of the transition to Audi, Sauber made several changes in 2024. Andreas Seidl departed, while former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto and former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley were appointed in key leadership roles.

Nico Hulkenberg was announced as the first driver. While Valtteri Bottas was initially a strong candidate to stay, Sauber opted for young talent alongside experience. Gabriel Bortoleto joined from McLaren’s junior programme and became a full-time driver in 2025.

In 2026, Hulkenberg and Bortoleto continue together as Audi’s driver pairing.

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 had been expected for some time. The new financial and technical regulations made the sport more attractive, particularly with the introduction of a budget cap.

Audi held talks with multiple teams before deciding to partner with Sauber, which has now been fully taken over. From 2026, Audi will compete as a full works team.

Sauber entered Formula 1 after success in Le Mans and initially ran Ilmor and later Mercedes engines. After a brief partnership, the team switched to Ford and later Ferrari power.

The team gained attention in 2001 by signing Kimi Räikkönen. In 2005, BMW acquired a stake and competed as BMW Sauber until 2009. Sauber later returned as an independent team using Ferrari engines.

Under Frederic Vasseur, the team restructured and rebranded as Alfa Romeo Racing in 2018. Financial struggles and the impact of COVID-19 made 2020 and 2021 difficult seasons.

Ahead of the Audi transition, Sauber raced as Stake F1 Team in 2024 and 2025, following its previous identity as Alfa Romeo Racing.

Results during this period were inconsistent, with limited points finishes.

In 2025, Hulkenberg and Bortoleto completed the final season before the Audi rebrand. The team made progress in performance and strategy.

Hulkenberg secured his first Formula 1 podium at Silverstone. Bortoleto impressed as a rookie and outperformed his teammate multiple times, despite some difficult races including crashes at his home Grand Prix in Brazil.

The team finished ninth in the constructors’ championship with 70 points.

Audi will enter Formula 1 with its own power unit from 2026, becoming a full works manufacturer from the start.