F1 team get brand new name for 2026 season

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F1 team get brand new name for 2026 season

Sauber are becoming Audi in 2026

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Tuesday 16 December 2025 17:00

The Formula 1 team previously known as Sauber has confirmed the launch date of its 2026 challenger and revealed the name it will compete under in the future.

Following Audi’s takeover, the Sauber name will disappear from Formula 1 after 32 years of competition, a period that included a single grand prix victory and a runner-up finish in the constructors’ championship.

Audi, headed by former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto and ex-Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, will be one of two new names on the F1 grid in 2026, alongside Cadillac.

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However, Audi have much of the Sauber team remaining in place, including Wheatley and drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for next season.

Now, the team have revealed that they will be unveiling their full car design on January 20 with an event in Berlin, while also taking to Instagram to showcase their official name.

Audi have revealed their new era on Instagram

How will new teams fare in 2026?

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has already admitted that his team will likely be challenging right at the back of the pack in 2026, despite having signed F1 legends Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

Of course, Audi aren't a completely new team, and so should be much more competitive than Cadillac, but the introduction of the German car manufacturer as a power unit supplier as well leaves a few question marks.

Cadillac are playing it safe by using Ferrari engines in their first two seasons, but Audi are using Audi power units immediately.

There could be a few teething issues there, but the team will have plenty of time to iron those out, with a whopping nine days of testing set to take place before the start of the 2026 season.

The first of the three three-day testing events takes place just after Audi's car launch, from January 26 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

F1 Audi Sauber