The Swiss-based Sauber team says it will open a UK base this year as owner Audi gears up for its official entry into Formula 1 in 2026.

Audi F1 announce UK base plans in major boost for project. The close-knit nature of Formula 1 bases mean that the likes of Sauber found it more difficult to entice senior figures

In preparation for its relaunch as the Audi F1 team next year, Sauber will open a base in the United Kingdom in 2025.

Audi have announced that they will establish a motorsport technology centre in the UK ahead of their Formula 1 entry next year. Sauber, who are transitioning to Audi for 2026, have confirmed that potential F1 hub spots in the UK – in the country’s ‘motorsport valley’ around Bicester,

That year will see Audi join the grid, as the legendary manufacturer takes over the Sauber operation to become the latest works team on the grid. On Tuesday, Sauber announced the latest major step in that transition, the establishment of a new technical center in England, in the region known as “Motorsport Valley.”

Sauber will set up a facility in the UK ahead of Audi's F1 arrival. Sauber are set to open a base in the UK this year ahead of Audi’s arrival into F1 in 2026. The Swiss-based outfit will morph into the Audi F1 factory team next season when the German car giant officially enters the world championship.

Audi has taken a major step in its entry into Formula One (F1) after a new technical centre was announced in the UK. Sauber, who will become the Audi Factory Team in 2026, announced the new facility ahead of the 2025 season.