Audi and Seidl to set Sauber's course: Power struggle appears to be over

Audi are taking matters into their own hands. The German racing team were already entering Formula 1 in 2026 but have now decided to take control of the project themselves. It seems to result from internal power struggles with co-owner Finn Rausing.

It has been clear for some time that Audi will enter F1 in 2026. The German brand will make their own engine for that year and also get their own team. The plan was to take a 75% stake in the Sauber F1 team. Step by step, Audi already took control of the team in recent years, but hit some roadblocks.

Finn Rausing is the billionaire who would retain 25% ownership of the team (currently the majority). That has caused some irritations behind the scenes. Audi's hands are tied as long as they do not control everything. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the team representative of the Stake F1 team was appointed by Rausing.

Why Audi is taking over Sauber's F1 team entirely

Because Rausing and Audi are not on the same page, the team barely made progress in recent years. Rausing appointed his own people, as did Audi. Andreas Seidl is clearly part of Audi. Seidl is to lead the F1 team, probably at the expense of Bravi.

With the takeover, Audi are making a clear and sensible choice. The team has been in a limbo phase for a few years now, first caused by Alfa Romeo's departure and now by Audi's future takeover. By taking over the team completely, real decisions can be made, an important move for the team's future.

Audi's F1 entry remains set for 2026. Logically, too, as a Ferrari engine will stay in the back of the car until that year. Behind the scenes, however, there may now be one course of action under Seidl's leadership. Who will have to leave, and who will Audi bring in? It will all become clear soon.