Sauber opens new technology centre ahead of Audi F1 takeover

Sauber Motorsport has officially opened a new British base ahead of its Formula 1 team’s transition into the Audi works squad.

The German marque will make its F1 debut in 2026 by completing a full takeover of Sauber, a Swiss outfit which joined the championship in 1993.

Although Audi will mainly split its operation between Sauber’s current Swiss headquarters in Hinwil and a power unit operation in Neuburg, Germany, back in February it announced plans to open a third location in the United Kingdom’s ‘motorsport valley’.

This is an area which covers England’s South East and Midlands regions, with seven F1 teams currently based there. The organisation thus hopes to attract the best talent already employed within the area – meaning potential recruits wouldn’t need to move overseas.

On Tuesday, Sauber confirmed it had opened its Bicester technology centre, which is a 444-acre plot of land located in Oxfordshire.

Audi F1 project head Mattia Binotto commented: “The opening of the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion is a significant milestone as we prepare for Audi's arrival in Formula 1.

“This facility will allow us to tap into the talent pool in Motorsport Valley and further strengthen our technical capabilities while being part of a thriving cluster at Bicester Motion, where you live and breathe motorsport.

“The support it will [provide] to Hinwil will be important for our long-term success.”

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber and Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Bicester Motion will not form part of next year’s cost cap, which should benefit the team. Sauber has long argued that Switzerland’s cost of living has made staff costs higher.

Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion, added: “We warmly welcome Sauber Motorsport in what is an exciting step in its Audi F1 transformation ahead of next year’s F1 season.

“It is thrilling that Bicester Motion has been chosen as their UK base connecting into their Swiss and German operations to support their vision to deliver sustainability, innovation and maximum performance in motorsport.

“They join many other pioneering automotive and aviation companies, along with Motorsport UK, the governing body of this great industry, already based here.

“We look forward to seeing their team develop and their transformation on and off the track continue.”

Sauber is currently next-to-bottom in the 2025 F1 constructors’ standings with its drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, both contracted for 2026.