Contrary to recent rumors, Alessandro Alunni Bravi strongly affirms that Audi’s commitment to entering the sport in 2026 remains unwavering.
Rumors circulating in recent weeks regarding Audi’s potential hesitation about entering Formula 1 in 2026 have caused quite a stir. These speculations were tied to a supposed shift in senior management’s attitude toward the sport, which coincided with changes in leadership, as well as a lack of news updates.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the Alfa Romeo boss, sought to dispel these rumors and shed light on Audi’s commitment to the sport. He emphasized that Audi’s dedication to Formula 1 remains strong and is intertwined with their collaboration with Sauber. Alfa Romeo is poised to transition back into Sauber next season before rebranding in 2026.
Alunni Bravi clarified, “This commitment comes from a decision not only of the board of Audi but also the advisory board of Audi and the Supervisory Board of Audi/Volkswagen. So it’s a group decision, and the commitment is there.”
He also addressed the perceived lack of communication, attributing it to the team’s status as the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake. Until the end of the year, there are constraints on discussing team-related matters, its future, and Audi’s involvement. Alunni Bravi emphasized the team’s respect for Alfa Romeo’s communication limitations and their intent not to make any announcements beyond race and championship-related topics.
He underlined Audi’s unwavering involvement in the team’s development. They are actively implementing a robust recruitment plan, with James Key being one of the notable additions. Alunni Bravi made it clear that Audi’s participation extends beyond financial support, emphasizing the presence of two owners and shareholders, governed by a structured plan aligned with the various stages of the transaction set to be completed before the 2026 season. Their investment plan and development efforts are proceeding according to the agreed-upon governance.
