Countering recent speculation, Alessandro Alunni Bravi has affirmed that Audi’s plans to join Formula 1 in 2026 remain steadfast.
There’s been buzz in the motorsports community suggesting that Audi might be reconsidering its commitment to F1 due to a supposed shift in the German automaker’s management perspective and a noticeable silence on updates.
Addressing these rumors at Interlagos, Alfa Romeo’s Alunni Bravi, whose team is set to revert to its Sauber identity before transitioning into a partner in 2026, sought to dispel any doubts.
“Audi’s dedication to entering Formula 1 is unwavering, and this is in partnership with Sauber,” he stated. “The decision to join F1 is backed not just by Audi’s board but also the advisory and supervisory boards of both Audi and the Volkswagen Group. It’s a collective resolution, and the commitment is firmly in place.”
He explained the quiet on the communication front, pointing out that as the current Alfa Romeo F1 Team, there are communication constraints about future developments and Audi’s involvement until the year’s end, out of respect for Alfa Romeo and their ongoing season.
“We are actively bolstering the team’s infrastructure and are on a robust hiring drive,” Alunni Bravi highlighted, with James Key’s recruitment being a notable addition. “This is not about the financial backing; rather, it’s about adhering to the governance structure set for the transition period leading up to the 2026 season. Investments and team developments are proceeding as planned, in line with our agreed governance.”
