Audi's shift accelerates in anticipation of the F1 concept unveiling.

Audi's shift accelerates in anticipation of the F1 concept unveiling.

      "There are no old photographs displayed on the walls."

      Audi's eagerly awaited entry into Formula 1 is starting to take tangible form, with the company announcing that it will reveal its concept F1 car on November 12, which is expected to present its 2026 livery rather than the final race chassis.

      Transitioning from Sauber to full factory status is well underway behind the scenes. Veteran journalist Roger Benoit from Blick reports that significant and symbolic changes are taking place in Hinwil.

      "The catering department, known for its esteemed kitchen over the years, is being discontinued," Benoit stated. "It will be replaced by the internationally recognized company Do and Co, who also cater for the Paddock Club and Mercedes. Additionally, the Audi and Silver Arrows teams are both supplied by Adidas."

      He also noted pointedly: "It remains uncertain who from the former Sauber staff in Hinwil is still there."

      Benoit cited a long-time employee expressing, "In our factory, everything that even slightly reminds us of Sauber is currently being taken down. There are no old pictures displayed on the walls anymore."

      While the full extent of the internal changes is not yet clear, Audi is said to be eager to keep the details confidential. Nevertheless, Blick reported that the team enjoys financial stability for several years due to substantial backing from Revolut, a UK-based neobank, and Qatari state investment.

      Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg mentioned at Interlagos that the transition to Audi is speeding up: "I can confirm that the project is continuing to progress."

      He added, "It's evident that next year will bring significant changes. A lot of activity is happening behind the scenes alongside the ongoing season, and we are getting increasingly closer to realizing the project. It feels more and more tangible with each week that passes."

      "It hasn't significantly affected us yet, but changes will soon take place."

Audi's shift accelerates in anticipation of the F1 concept unveiling.

Other articles

Hülkenberg: The whole fight is still ahead. Hülkenberg: The whole fight is still ahead. Nico Hülkenberg scored points for Sauber in Brazil, and Gabriel Bortoleto crashed in the sprint and in the main race... Red Bull to finalize its 2026 driver lineups in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull to finalize its 2026 driver lineups in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull to finalize its 2026 driver lineups in Abu Dhabi. "I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart." "I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart." Formula 1 | Pirelli may implement a maximum tyre mileage regulation for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix due to concerns about a recurrence of the structural failures experienced at Losail last year. (…) Alonso: The strategy of starting on the hard tyres did not pay off. Alonso: The strategy of starting on the hard tyres did not pay off. Fernando Alonso had hoped to fight for points in Sunday's race at Interlagos, but the strategy of starting on hard tyres didn't work. As a result, the Spanish Aston Martin driver finished fourteenth. Pierre Gasly: The result matches our level. Pierre Gasly finished eighth in the sprint and tenth at the São Paulo Grand Prix, earning Alpine their first two points since the July round in Spa over the weekend. Lando Norris: The weekend turned out perfectly! Lando Norris: The weekend turned out perfectly! Lando Norris finished the Brazilian weekend with a victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix, earning the maximum possible points...

Audi's shift accelerates in anticipation of the F1 concept unveiling.

Formula 1 | Audi's much-anticipated entry into Formula 1 is starting to take form, as the manufacturer has announced that it will reveal its concept F1 car (…)