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Sauber owner Audi to open F1 base in the UK

Audi is expanding its Formula 1 operations by establishing a new technical centre in the UK, locat

ed in the heart of “Motorsport Valley” in the south-east of England. This area, renowned for its concentration of motorsport expertise, offers Audi the opportunity to tap into a deep pool of engineering talent. According to a statement, the new base is designed to enhance Audi’s ability to collaborate with top experts and attract skilled engineers for its F1 project. The decision is strategic, as it allows Audi to leverage one of the most competitive motorsport ecosystems in the world.

Sauber, the team with which Audi has partnered for its F1 ambitions, has traditionally faced challenges in recruiting engineers due to its location in Hinwil, Switzerland. Engineers who join Sauber often have to relocate their families, which can be a significant barrier. In contrast, many UK-based motorsport teams are within easy commuting distance of each other, making it easier for engineers to move between teams without disrupting their personal lives. This flexibility is a key factor in Audi’s decision to set up a new technical base in the UK.

The location for the new centre has yet to be finalized, but Audi is considering several options within Motorsport Valley, including Bicester, Silverstone, and Milton Keynes. The company plans to have the facility operational by the summer of 2025. While this new UK base will play a critical role in Audi’s F1 efforts, it will not replace the main headquarters in Hinwil. The core engineering operations and the design department will remain in Switzerland, with the UK base serving as an integrated part of the team’s design efforts. Audi’s engine department will continue to operate out of Neuburg an der Donau, Bavaria, Germany.

Sauber’s chief operating officer and technical officer, Mattia Binotto, emphasized that while the UK expansion is a key step, the primary engineering operations will continue to be led from Hinwil and Neuburg. He noted that this new base in the UK would strengthen the team’s position by creating a robust network between the two locations, driving both innovation and performance in the long term.

Audi is fully aware of the significant challenge ahead as it seeks to become a competitive force in Formula 1. The team finished last in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, and while Audi’s ambitions are high, the company recognizes the hard work and investment required to achieve success at the top level of motorsport. With this new technical base in the UK, Audi is aiming to make substantial strides toward that goal, supported by a broader and more accessible engineering talen

t pool.