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.

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

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.”

Gabriel Bortoleto steps up to Formula 1 after back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2, both achieved as a rookie. Bortoleto, part of Fernando Alonso’s A14 Management stable, was a McLaren young driver but was released from the team in order to join Sauber.

The F1 team is to open a UK base to help it attract the best talent from ‘motorsport valley’ to boost Audi’s arrival in 2026.

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,

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.