Audi Expands Its F1 Ambitions with New UK Base for Sauber Team
Audi, preparing for its 2026 F1 entry, establishes a UK base to attract top engineering talent, enhancing its Sauber team's competitive edge.
As Audi gears up for its ambitious entrance into Formula 1 as a full works team in 2026, the owner of Sauber is taking a significant step forward by announcing the opening of a new technical base in the UK. This move is strategic, positioned in the heart of the so-called ‘Motorsport Valley’ in the southeast of England, where engineering expertise abounds.
The official statement from Sauber emphasized that the new facility aims to tap into the world's most extensive motorsport talent pool, providing crucial access to cutting-edge expertise. This decision also addresses one of Sauber’s longstanding challenges: attracting high-caliber engineers to its current base in Hinwil, Switzerland, necessitating considerable relocations.
Moving to the UK not only offers a more dynamic landscape for recruitment but also facilitates smoother transitions for engineers who often prefer positions within local teams without the major life changes that an international move entails. In fact, other Formula 1 teams have successfully established deep ties within this racing-rich region, except for Ferrari, which leverages its historical prestige to capture top talent.
While the specific location of the new UK base is still under consideration—with options including Bicester, Silverstone, and Milton Keynes—Audi has set a target to have the facility operational by summer 2025. This integrated center will complement the design department still headquartered in Hinwil, with Audi's engine operations managed from Bavaria, Germany.
Mattia Binotto, Sauber's Chief Operating and Technical Officer, remarked on this expansion, stating, "Expanding into the UK allows us to remain close to one of the world’s most dynamic motorsport ecosystems. Our vision is to create a strong, collaborative network across Hinwil and the UK, driving innovation and performance."
Despite Sauber's recent struggles—finishing last in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship—Audi is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Binotto highlighted the magnitude of this task, likening it to climbing Mount Everest, a reminder of the hard work needed to transform the Audi/Sauber team into a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1. The establishment of the UK base represents not just a logistical expansion but a pivotal component in Audi's quest for competitive excellence in the sport.
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