With the 2025 Formula 1 racing calendar now coming to a close for another year, naturally all eyes are turning to what the sport will look like when the flag comes down on the grid for the start of the 2026 season given we already know that both Audi and Cadillac will be joining.
Audi's involvement has been known about for a long time now and preparations off the track have been worked on quietly and diligently for a while, but with us just being over three months away from the New Year, anticipation amongst the fans to see some real progress is now beginning to reach fever pitch, and the German car maker has now confirmed that they will soon be providing the first glimpse of the marque's preparations for the big 2026 Formula 1 debut. For those fans who like a bet on their racing this will be delightful news, but as we head to the break others will be looking at the Quickwin Welcome Bonus Casino options available to them for their own gaming entertainment.
Having teamed up with Sauber to create a full works entry, ahead of an inevitable full takeover, the pledge was made as they unveiled that radical new 'Concept C' all electric sports car model in Milan and CEO Gernot Dollner promised that their plans were moving at 'full speed' and following the prior unveiling of the new design philosophy fans could expect more as they wanted to give a 'concrete preview' of what could be expected from them next year. There is some expectation that this 'preview' could come as early as next week's IAA motor show in Munich, but that remains a rumour and has not been confirmed yet.
The full factory 2026 team will continue building on Sauber's existing operation in Hinwal and former Racing Bulls boss Franz Tost believed this was a sensible approach, and praised their driver selection so far describing it as 'very good'. He acknowledged that everyone knew what to expect from 'superb' Nico Hulkenberg, and whilst Gabriel Bortoleto had plenty of promise and had given some strong performances so far, he felt that he may struggle on newer tracks in the second half of the season. He fully expected both to be ready for 2026 though.
Tost did add that he felt that although Audi would obviously not be challenging for the top three podium spots as they continue their own adjustments, he felt that they would prove to be more than capable of being in the next set down and regularly finishing in the four to six bracket.
Focusing back on Sauber for a minute though, this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza will be a final goodbye to their current motorhome as it will be the last time that it is used in Formula 1 before they morph into Audi proper. Bespoke motorhomes travel around all European destinations and host personnel, alongside sponsors and VIP guests, but with Monza being the final stop in the European leg, teams will now port to using hospitality suites at the remaining flyaway races, so it is time for it to be retired, as Audi have already commissioned a brand new structure for their maiden season.
For Sauber fans, it will no doubt help to bring the moment home as Audi continue to prepare to take over.
