Mattia Binotto Sauber-Audi

Sauber sets up new UK Technical Centre ahead of Audi F1 entry

Sauber – transitioning to full works status with Audi for 2026 – is setting up a base in the UK.

Last year, the team caused a stir by successfully lobbying the FIA to be allowed to spend more under the budget cap – to compensate for the higher costs of being based in Switzerland.

Another issue, however, is that non-UK-based teams are disadvantaged, as they struggle to attract the best specialist talent in Formula 1 due to the need to relocate

The FIA’s single seater director Nikolas Tombazis said last year that teams like Sauber might simply need to move to the UK “which we don’t think is the way for a world championship to operate”.

However, Sauber has now announced that it will create a “new technical centre in the UK”.

Sauber Motorsport is taking a significant step in its transition into Audi’s works Formula 1 team by announcing plans to establish a new technical center in the United Kingdom.

The Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre UK will extend the team’s presence and influence within the global Formula One landscape.

The Technology Centre provides the team with access to the world’s largest motorsport expertise and talent pool.

Recognized as the birthplace of Formula One, the UK is home to most F1 teams and around 25,000 industry professionals. By creating this new facility, Sauber Motorsport aims to strengthen its presence in ‘Motorsport Valley’ and establish a platform to collaborate with top experts and attract local engineering talent for the Audi F1 Project.

This initiative is a key component of the Audi F1 Project’s long-term strategy to enhance and expand its technical capabilities.

Sauber Motorsport is currently evaluating potential locations within ‘Motorsport Valley,’ including Bicester, Silverstone, and Milton Keynes. The goal is to have the UK Technical Centre operational by summer 2025.

“We are excited to establish our technical center 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,” Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport, stated.

“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.”

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