F1 team OFFICIALLY sold in major announcement

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F1 team OFFICIALLY sold in major announcement

The long-awaited announcement has been confirmed ahead of the 2025 season

By Kevin McKenna.

Thursday 23 January 2025 20:00

A Formula 1 team has officially been sold after a long process, ahead of the 2025 season.

The new campaign will kick off in Australia in mid-March, with a drastically different lineup of drivers and teams.

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Lewis Hamilton's performances at Ferrari are sure to come under the microscope following his sensational move from Mercedes, while Max Verstappen - partnering Liam Lawson - will be determined to add a fifth consecutive world title to his collection.

Sauber are preparing for their final campaign in F1

The Swiss outfit will be replaced by Audi from 2026

Audi ramp up 2026 plans

This will be the Swiss outfit's final season in the sport, with Audi set to take their place on the grid from 2026 onwards.

The German manufacturer has already started laying the foundations for their introduction to F1, appointing former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto as chief technical officer, while Jonathan Wheatley will be the team principal following his Red Bull exit.

Jonathan Wheatley will soon take over as team principal

Audi's driver lineup has also been secured, with Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto already confirmed as the team's pairing going in to this upcoming year of transition.

And having announced its intention back in March 2024 to take over fully from Sauber, the sale has now been confirmed at long last.

In response to a request from auto motor und sport, the group officially announced: "The complete takeover of Sauber Holding AG by Audi AG was completed as planned in January 2025.

"Audi has thus taken the next important step on the way to Formula 1 shortly after the turn of the year. Audi previously held a minority stake in Sauber Holding AG."

Max Verstappen Mercedes Formula 1 Liam Lawson Sauber