Inside Line: Welcome to F1 Audi but go big or go home

Audi announced their entry into Formula 1 as a Power Unit supplier starting in 2026. Sauber is most likely to be chosen as the new team.

Audi is a new F1 team. It's no surprise that they are being courted by many in the F 1 paddock.

They announced their supply intentions today but they haven't signed a customer yet. This is suspicious. They should have waited for a partner or partners to be confirmed.

Audi will enter Formula One. There was a press conference on Friday on the fringes of the Belgian Grand Prix. Markus Duesmann, Chairman of AUDI AG, Oliver Hoffmann and Mohammed Ben Sulayem were in attendance.

Audi are in Formula 1 as an engine supplier as of 2026. They need a partner to forge a partnership with. Sauber is the best bet to partner with Audi. Aston Martin, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Alpine won't be powered by Audi!

AlphaTauri, Haas and Sauber are not going to be interested in joining Audi's Formula One venture. Duesmann confirmed there is no need to make a profit with the venture and it will be a marketing exercise when the auditors come knocking.

Sauber powered by Audi is a back-of-the-pack team.

If Andretti Global ever needed a partner to enter F1 Audi is the one. The partnership makes perfect sense now. F 1 has to welcome their arrival. It's disappointing they are not going for it on their own as the Audi F-1 Team. If it doesn't happen, Audi might go solo. If they do, it would be sacrilege for the partnership not to happen. Alfa-Romeo title sponsorship is ending at the end of 2023.