Audi to replace Alfa Romeo at Sauber Formula One in 2026

German car-maker Audi has finally announced which Formula One team it will power from 2026 – replacing Alfa Romeo at the Swiss-based Sauber team.

In August, Audi announced it would join the Formula One field from 2026 as an engine supplier to an existing team – but despite speculation it would join Sauber, the identity of the team remained under wraps until an official announcement overnight.

Sauber currently competes as Alfa Romeo Racing – powered by Ferrari engines – under a sponsorship deal valid until the end of 2023.

From 2024, Sauber's Formula One cars will continue to be powered by Ferrari engines until Audi takes over as its supplier in 2026.

From 2026, Formula One cars will continue to be powered by turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 petrol engines – although the car’s hybrid system will produce approximately three times its current output, increasing from 120kW to 350kW.

This means the car’s V6 petrol engine – now developing 400kW – will almost be matched by the electric hybrid system.

The fuel tank capacity is also set to be reduced from 100kg (about 117 litres) to 70kg (close to 82 litres), with Formula One requiring teams to run their engines on ‘sustainable’ biofuel.

According to the media statement, Audi’s Formula One engines will be developed at its Neuberg performance facility in Germany.

Audi’s Formula One debut will also mark its return to top-level motorsport of any form for the first time in almost 10 years.

Between 2006 and 2014, diesel-powered Audi sports cars won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race eight times – also taking two World Endurance Championships in 2012 and 2013.

Audi withdrew from the World Endurance Championship at the end of 2016, with its parent company – the Volkswagen Group – facing increased global scrutiny due to the ‘Dieselgate’ emissions scandal.

The Dieselgate saga reportedly cost the Volkswagen Group more than $US33 billion ($AU51 billion) in fines, compensation, and vehicle buybacks. 

Audi turned its attention to the electric Formula E series, winning one championship in the 2017-18 season before withdrawing at the conclusion of 2021. It also withdrew from the German DTM touring car championship at the end of 2020, after 31 years in the sport.

In June 2021, Audi announced its road car line-up would be 100 per cent electric in all markets apart from China by 2033.

The German car-maker intends to launch its last new petrol-powered model in 2025, before exclusively introducing electric cars from 2026.

While fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche was also expected to join Formula One in 2026 with reigning champions Red Bull Racing, the deal was called off in September.