Sauber advances with engineering center in the UK to strengthen the team before Audi’s entry into Formula 1

Another successful pre-season test for Gabi 💪 pic.twitter.com/o46o5BGHsz

— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) January 31, 2025

Expansion to the UK aims to maximize talent and innovation

Sauber, which competed under the Alfa Romeo name until 2023, is adopting a hybrid expansion model that allows it to benefit from the so-called “Motorsport Valley.” This region in the UK is home to some of the most prominent Formula 1 teams and suppliers, as well as renowned academic institutions in automotive engineering. The country also has an established infrastructure for race car development, facilitating research and innovation in the sector.

Sauber Motorsport’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, explained the importance of this change, stating that the creation of the center in the UK will help the team maintain a high level of competitiveness in Formula 1. According to him, the connection between the centers in Hinwil, Neuburg, and the UK will strengthen innovation and allow for a more efficient exchange of knowledge among team professionals. The expectation is that the new structure will boost the car’s technical performance and reduce potential operational bottlenecks in the transition to Audi’s management.

Strategic advantages of the new base in the UK

• Proximity to experienced talent: The Silverstone region and its surroundings house engineers and specialists in motorsports, many of whom already work in Formula 1.
• Reduction in logistical costs: The new base will allow British employees to continue working without the need to relocate to Switzerland or Germany.
• Established infrastructure: The UK has cutting-edge laboratories, suppliers, and universities for automotive technology development.
• Support for innovation: The interaction between the new base and Sauber’s centers in Switzerland and Germany can speed up processes and increase efficiency in car development.
• Alignment with budget cap regulations: The FIA is considering ways to balance operational costs between teams based in different countries.

Budget cap discussions and financial impact

Formula 1 has been discussing budget limitation rules for the upcoming seasons, and Sauber’s move to the UK aligns with this context. The cost of living and salaries in Switzerland are significantly higher than in the UK or Italy, which can put the team at a disadvantage compared to its competitors. This issue has previously been raised by Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s Single Seater Director, who emphasized the need for regulatory adjustments to prevent teams based in high-cost countries from being at a competitive disadvantage.

Currently, Sauber argues that if no changes are made to financial rules, the team will have to operate with up to 40% fewer employees compared to other teams. This would hinder its ability to compete on equal terms, as fewer employees mean less capacity for research, development, and car optimization throughout the season.

Audi accelerates preparations for 2026

Since announcing its entry into Formula 1, Audi has been heavily investing in structuring its team. The German manufacturer’s power unit department is already operational and employs around 300 people dedicated to engine development. The project includes the completion of new facilities in Germany for testing and improving hybrid power units, which will be used starting in 2026 when Formula 1’s new technical regulations take effect.

Audi’s choice of Sauber as a strategic partner reflects its intention to build a strong team without starting from scratch. The Swiss team has a solid history in the sport, having partnered with different manufacturers, including BMW and Alfa Romeo. Now, with Audi’s financial and technical support, expectations are that the team will be able to compete at a high level under the new regulations.

Planning and future prospects

With Audi’s arrival and the team’s restructuring, Sauber is undergoing one of the most significant phases in its history. The team’s planning involves:

• Recruitment of new talent: Engineers and specialized technicians are being hired to strengthen the team’s structure.
• Development of the power unit: Audi is investing in new facilities to build a competitive hybrid engine.
• Expansion of operations: The new base in the UK will allow for better integration with major motorsport innovation hubs.
• Car and strategy adjustments: The team is already planning updates for the coming seasons to maximize performance before Audi’s arrival.

Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg confirmed for 2025

In addition to structural changes, Sauber has already defined its driver lineup for the 2025 season. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, the reigning Formula 3 champion, will be promoted to Formula 1 and will race alongside experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg. The combination of Bortoleto’s youth and Hulkenberg’s experience reflects the team’s intention to balance the development of a new talent with the consistency of a veteran driver.

Sauber’s goal for 2025 will be to remain competitive while finalizing its transition to Audi. The team intends to make the most of the period before the new regulations take effect to position itself as one of the emerging forces in the category.

Sauber’s new era and expectations for 2026

The creation of the engineering center in the UK marks a new chapter for Sauber and its transition to Audi. The expanded structure will allow the team to be better prepared for the challenges of modern Formula 1, increasing its technical capabilities and optimizing resources. With solid planning and significant investment from Audi, the team has the potential to become one of the category’s key contenders in the coming years.