New Audi CEO Gernot Dollner has revealed that the marque remains committed to its Formula 1 entry in 2026 amid rumours that suggested it was pondering pulling the plug.
Last year it was announced that Audi would enter F1 for the first time, taking over the Sauber-owned team and producing its own engine for the regulation change in 2026.
Reports earlier this year touted that Audi was reconsidering its F1 endeavours following the sudden departure of the German manufacturer’s ex-CEO, Markus Duesmann.
Duesmann was responsible for approving Audi’s F1 bid, but he was ousted from the board and replaced by Dollner, who had previously failed to dispel the speculation.
However, speaking to German publication Handelsblatt, Dollner has reaffirmed that Audi still intends to compete in F1 from 2026 as previously announced by his predecessor.
“There is a clear decision from the board of management and the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen that Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026,” he said. “The plan is in place.”
However, Dollner did criticise the old regime for a perceived slowness when it came to taking crucial decisions, which has now been solved by simplifying its leadership structure.
“We used to have a very complex landscape of committees,” he commented. “That is why we have now abolished an entire level of committees below the executive board.
“In short: we are now faster and all-important decisions are once again made by the entire executive board team.”
Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi confirmed last week that Audi is “fully committed” to F1 but will not have any branding presence in the team until 2026.
“Commercially speaking, it is important to have a big bang in 2026, not to dilute the Audi involvement with the team,” he noted.
“So, we will continue as Sauber, based on the heritage of the group.”
He added: “The commitment of Audi was really strong from the very beginning. The project, the F1 project, has been approved by the Audi management board, has been confirmed by the Supervisory Board of Audi and has been then confirmed by the Supervisory Board of VW.
“So, it is a commitment at any level within the Audi/VW Group.
“The change of the CEO doesn’t change this approach, because it was not a decision of a single individual or the board, it was a decision of the group.”
