Audi is preparing for its entry into Formula 1. Although, with a bit of exaggeration, it has already happened.
Audi will enter F1 officially in 2026, when the new powertrain rules will come into effect and will be one of the manufacturers. The first customer will be the own team – Audi is gradually buying Sauber.
There was a lot of speculation surrounding Audi’s entry, which was also fueled by some changes within the automaker itself. But it was recently confirmed that Audi will even take over 100% of the team. The existing majority shareholder Finn Rausing will thus transfer all his shares.
Audi also had to agree with Ferrari. This year and next, the team will still use power units from Maranello. If Ferrari did not want to supply its engines to Audi, the Germans would have to quickly look elsewhere, or the FIA would come into play, which would then order Renault to supply the power units (it has the fewest customers). But so far everything is fine. After all, Fred Vasseur had worked in Hinwil before.
The number of employees in the team’s factory is gradually increasing. It has increased from 550 to 650. The goal is about 900 employees. A number of experts from Red Bull, Mercedes or Ferrari are “on the way” and are waiting for contractual clauses to allow them to start elsewhere.
A larger number of employees also requires larger premises. One factory building will be completely rebuilt, another will be expanded by several floors. Of course, the power unit is created elsewhere – at the Audi factory in Neuburg on the Danube.
It is also successful politically
All teams are operating under a budget cap today. It also includes the wages of employees – apart from drivers and a few top-ranking people (mostly team boss, technical director, sports director, etc.).
But wages are higher in Switzerland than in Great Britain, where most of the teams are based. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Andreas Seidl has achieved great success. From 2026, a change will apply to Switzerland within the budget ceiling. A salary of, for example, 150,000 Swiss francs will be counted as a salary of 100,000 francs in the budget ceiling.
Seidl can thus gradually increase the number of employees without having to reduce development expenses.
