Sauber Refutes Claims that Audi’s Focus on Formula 1’s 2026 Regulations is Impacting Current Performance
In the midst of a dismal season, Sauber has dismissed allegations that its underwhelming performance is a direct result of new owner Audi prioritizing its efforts on Formula 1’s 2026 regulations. With nine races completed, the team remains the only outfit yet to score points, plagued by pitstop and reliability issues. Despite struggling to keep up with the midfield pack, Sauber’s leadership insists that Audi’s focus on its 2026 entry is not to blame.
Audi’s acquisition of a majority stake in Sauber has led to a significant influx of resources, including a bespoke power unit being developed in Germany. The German manufacturer is keen to hit the ground running in 2026, which has sparked speculation that its focus on long-term success is compromising Sauber’s current performance. However, driver Valtteri Bottas downplayed the notion, suggesting that the team’s current struggles are part of a necessary process.
“Obviously, there have been quite a few things going on in the team for a better future,” Bottas said. “Sometimes you might take a step back to take two steps forward, so that’s part of the game. Fundamentally, there’s nothing big wrong, we just need to keep adding performance because many teams around us have made jumps.”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber’s acting representative, echoed Bottas’ sentiments, emphasizing that the team’s short-term performance and long-term ambitions are not mutually exclusive. “I think it’s a mistake to mix both things,” he said. “I don’t think that the preparation for the Audi works team is affecting the current two seasons, and it must not.”
Alunni Bravi attributed the team’s recent struggles to internal weaknesses, which are being addressed through an ongoing transformation process. This process, led by team CEO Andreas Seidl, is focused on improving the team’s current structure and recruiting the right talent to bolster its technical teams.
Sauber’s board member also revealed that Audi’s decision to accelerate its full takeover of the team in March was partly driven by the need for increased investment to bridge the gap to the works team. “We are not where we should be, also in terms of recruitment and investment,” he explained. “And this is why Audi has decided in March to go for a full takeover of the Sauber Group in order to push for the investments that are necessary to make the step towards the works team.”
As the team navigates its current slump, Alunni Bravi remains optimistic about the future, acknowledging that while there is still much work to be done, the “light at the end of the tunnel” is clear.
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