Audi officially joined Formula One in 2026, even though the German manufacturer’s motorsport history stretches back far longer than this debut suggests. As the foundation for its entry, Audi took full ownership of the Swiss team Sauber, which had competed in Formula One since 1993, bringing the works infrastructure in Hinwil, Switzerland into the new project. From 2026 the outfit races as the Audi Revolut F1 Team, complemented by a technology centre in Bicester, UK, and its own engine plant in Neuburg an der Donau, Bavaria.
One distinctive chapter of the brand’s history lies far before its actual Formula One debut: back in the 1930s, the four-ring predecessor Auto Union raced as the “Silver Arrows” against rivals Mercedes-Benz, shaping an entire era of pre-war Grand Prix racing through radical engineering. With its F1 entry, Audi deliberately ties back into this historic legacy, even if nearly a century separates it from the actual works involvement.
The Sauber foundation itself looks back on a varied but respectable history in the midfield. Founded in 1970 by Peter Sauber, the team made its Formula One debut in 1993 and celebrated its only Grand Prix win to date in 2008 as BMW Sauber, with a one-two finish for Robert Kubica ahead of Nick Heidfeld in Canada, the same year also delivering the team’s best constructors’ result with second place.
Operational leadership of the new works team was taken over in March 2026 by former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as CEO and Team Principal, after original team boss Jonathan Wheatley left the project. For its driver line-up, Audi combines experience and youth: veteran Nico Hulkenberg and young Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto. Audi has openly stated its ambition to fight for the world championship by 2030.