F1 News: Alfa Romeo Team Chief Gives Update On Audi Formula One Entry

Audi's F1 entry is confirmed for 2026 through Sauber, with Alfa Romeo clarifying the commitment amidst communication challenges due to their current branding partnership.

Alfa Romeo’s team representative, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, recently clarified Audi’s unwavering plans for entering Formula One in 2026. This commitment stands despite Alfa Romeo's departure at the end of the 2023 season and the swirling rumours of a premature Audi exit.

Key Takeaways:

• Audi's Firm Commitment: The German manufacturer is set to take over the Sauber entry in 2026, with preparations including support in 2025 ahead of the new regulations. Alunni Bravi emphasises Audi’s firm decision to join F1, backed by its major boards.
• Communication Challenges: Alunni Bravi explained the current communication constraints due to Alfa Romeo’s ongoing involvement, stating that this limits their capacity to share future plans, including Audi’s engagement, out of respect for Alfa Romeo.
• Driver Line-Up Outlook: While Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are confirmed for 2024 with the team, there’s speculation that Audi might be seeking a marquee driver to spearhead their F1 journey.

Alfa Romeo team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi ha confirmed that Audi is fully committed to entering the sport in the 2026 season. The German automotive giant is on course to assume the grid spot presently held by Sauber, even as Alfa Romeo prepares to bow out at the conclusion of 2023.

"Audi has a strong commitment to Formula One and, of course together with Sauber, 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," Alunni Bravi confirmed in a statement reported by Motorsport.com. 

This declaration from the representative addresses and dispels the rumours of a possible retreat by Audi before their much-anticipated debut.

Alunni Bravi also shed light on the current communication challenges, attributing the scarcity of information to the ongoing partnership with Alfa Romeo, which imposes certain restrictions. 

"We are Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN. So, until the end of the year, we have certain limitations in communicating about the team, about the future, about the involvement of Audi, and we fully respect Alfa Romeo for this."

Looking towards the future, the team has reconfirmed that their current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, will continue with the team through the 2024 season. However, the air is rife with anticipation about whether Audi will look for a high-profile driver to lead the team into the new era of Formula One racing.