Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl has divulged that Audi has been ramping up preparations for its impending entrance into Formula 1 with several recruits from rival teams.
Audi will embark upon its maiden venture into F1 in 2025 once it completes a full takeover of the Sauber-owned squad in time for the brand-new technical regulations.
Sauber has been a perennial underperforming team over recent times, with it unable to sustain a strong start to the latest ruleset in 2022 with a drop to ninth last term.
But Audi’s impending arrival has enticed Nico Hulkenberg to leave Haas for Sauber in 2025, while it is touted Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has been given a lucrative proposal.
Seidl has disclosed that Sauber has been on an aggressive recruitment drive since the Audi announcement took place, including hiring top engineers from elsewhere.
“We are currently in the double-digit million range below the cost limit set by the regulations and have around 600 employees,” Seidl told Auto Motor und Sport.
“The focus is on increasing staff numbers from 600 to 900 people as quickly as possible.
“We already have a highly talented team that we are further strengthening with additional know-how and experience.
“Last year we were able to win over a number of people from different teams, from Formula 1 and other areas.
“Some have already started with us, others are still in the work suspensions that are common in Formula 1. This is a continuous process.
“With Audi’s announcement that it would take over 100%, we have launched the next stage of our recruiting campaign.
“The project has aroused great interest in the scene. When a premium brand with such a motorsport history enters Formula 1, it has enormous appeal.”
Seidl also revealed that Audi has adopted that same process with its nascent engine operation as it builds towards assembling a power unit for the revised regulations.
“The core of the team consists of Audi employees with a lot of know-how from within their own ranks,” the ex-McLaren Team Principal said.
“We have managed to hire top people from almost every manufacturer.”
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