Audi's Formula 1 entry is complete. After years of preparation and the full acquisition of the Sauber Group, the German manufacturer is officially on the 2026 grid.
When Audi announced their Formula 1 entry in July 2022 at the Belgian Grand Prix, it sent shockwaves through the paddock. The Volkswagen Group — the world's largest automotive manufacturer — was coming to F1. Four years later, the Audi F1 Team is a reality, lining up on the 2026 grid with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
From Sauber to Audi: A Four-Year Transformation
The Sauber Group — the Swiss motorsport organisation that has operated in Formula 1 since 1993 — was the vehicle for Audi's entry. Audi began acquiring shares in Sauber in 2023 and completed the full takeover ahead of the 2026 season. The team, based in Hinwil, Switzerland, underwent a complete transformation: new management, new engineering leadership, new facilities, and ultimately a new name.
The timing of Audi's entry is no coincidence. The 2026 power unit regulations — which introduce a near 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, and mandate 100% sustainable fuel — were specifically designed to attract new manufacturers. Audi has been developing their 2026 power unit since 2022, giving them four years of preparation for the new formula.
Hülkenberg and Bortoleto: The 2026 Driver Lineup
Nico Hülkenberg brings a wealth of Formula 1 experience to the Audi project. The German driver — who famously holds the record for the most F1 starts without a podium — has been with the Sauber/Kick Sauber team since 2023 and provides the technical continuity that a new manufacturer needs. His experience with the team's development process and his ability to provide precise engineering feedback are invaluable.
Gabriel Bortoleto represents the future. The Brazilian driver — who won the 2025 Formula 2 Championship — is one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport. His signing by Audi was a statement of intent: the team is building for the long term, and Bortoleto is central to that vision. His partnership with Hülkenberg provides the perfect balance of experience and youth.
The 2026 Season: Building Towards Competitiveness
Audi's debut season has been a learning experience, as expected. The team is competitive in the lower midfield, with Hülkenberg and Bortoleto regularly scoring points. The biggest challenge has been integrating the new Audi power unit with the car's aerodynamic package — a process that takes time even for established teams. Audi's long-term ambition is clear: they want to be championship contenders within five years.
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