Sauber to open UK ‘technical centre’ as transition to Audi works team gathers pace

Sauber Motorsport will this year open a new technical centre in the UK as part of their transition to becoming Audi’s Formula 1 works team from 2026 onwards.

The Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre UK will be a smaller third site for the team, in addition to their aerodynamic headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland and the Audi engine base in Neuberg, Germany.

Sauber say the new facility will “extend the team’s presence and influence within the global Formula 1 landscape” as it will give them access “to the world’s largest motorsport expertise and talent pool”.

Seven of Formula 1’s 10 teams have their main base in the UK in an area known as Motorsport Valley (around the Midlands and South East of the country) – and thus it is where the majority of F1’s technical personnel live.

Audi Speed83758-11.jpg — Audi will arrive on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, taking over Sauber’s long-standing entry

Sauber add this initiative “is a key component of the Audi F1 project’s long-term strategy to enhance and expand its technical capabilities”.

The team are evaluating locations, which include Bicester, Silverstone and Milton Keynes, and hope to have the centre operational by the summer.

“We are excited to establish our technical centre in the UK to complement our key site in Hinwil, which will continue to lead our main engineering operations and experience the largest team growth,” said Sauber Motorsport COO and CTO Mattia Binotto.

“Expanding into the UK allows us to remain close to one of the world’s most dynamic motorsport ecosystems. Our vision is to create a strong, collaborative network across Hinwil and the UK, driving innovation and performance."