Source – Planetf1.com
Prior to Audi’s entry in 2026, Sauber has said that they would establish a base in the UK.
Audi’s Formula 1 journey has taken a dramatic new turn with the confirmation of their latest expansion plans. The German giant, which had already been making waves with its upcoming entry into F1 in 2026, has now unveiled its decision to establish a state-of-the-art technical centre in the United Kingdom. This move not only strengthens Audi’s foothold in the sport but also signifies a strategic shift aimed at securing top-tier talent from the heart of Formula 1’s engineering hub.
For years, Sauber—soon to be fully rebranded under the Audi banner—stood as one of the rare exceptions in a sport dominated by UK-based operations. With the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin all situated in what is often referred to as motorsport’s Silicon Valley, teams operating outside of this sphere have often found themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting elite personnel. The challenge of convincing top engineers, aerodynamicists, and technical directors to uproot their lives from England to Switzerland has long been an obstacle for Sauber. Now, Audi is tearing down those barriers with a move that could redefine the team’s future.
Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari boss who now holds the dual role of COO and CTO at Sauber Motorsport, believes this expansion is a game-changer. In his vision, the new UK-based technical centre will complement the historic Hinwil headquarters in Switzerland, rather than replace it. Hinwil will continue to be the heart of the operation, but by establishing a presence in the UK, Audi will now have direct access to a pool of 25,000 skilled F1 personnel working within the country. The likes of Bicester, Silverstone, and Milton Keynes have emerged as the leading candidates to host this new facility, which is expected to be fully operational by the summer of 2025.
The timing of this announcement is no coincidence. It follows the confirmation that Audi has completed its full acquisition of Sauber, marking the final step in a transition that has been in the making for years. Initially, Audi had planned to take a 75 percent stake in Sauber, but as their ambitions grew, so did their investment. The result is a complete takeover, finalised as planned at the start of 2025. While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, the deal is believed to be worth approximately €600 million—a staggering sum that highlights just how committed Audi is to making a resounding impact in Formula 1.
With this takeover now set in stone, Audi is officially the sole owner of Sauber Holding AG, the parent company of the F1 team. This moment marks the true beginning of their Formula 1 project. The German manufacturer has already been laying the groundwork for success, including a major partnership with Honda for power units, and now with an established base in the UK, Audi has placed itself in prime position to take advantage of the sport’s new regulations in 2026.
This aggressive expansion strategy isn’t just about logistics—it’s about intent. Audi is not here to simply participate; they are here to win. The move into the UK solidifies their place among the F1 elite before their first race car even takes to the grid. By embedding themselves in the most influential technical environment in the sport, Audi has sent a clear message to their rivals: they are coming, and they mean business. The only question that remains is just how soon they will be fighting at the very front of the grid.
