Sauber has made a significant move in preparation for the Audi takeover in 2026. The Swiss racing team announced on Tuesday the opening of the brand-new Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre in Bicester, UK. As a result, Sauber now has a foothold in the United Kingdom, traditionally the hub for Formula 1 technology. This new base makes it easier to poach technical talent from other teams.
The new facility, located on the extensive grounds of Bicester Motion – a central hub for motorsport and aviation technology – complements Sauber’s existing headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland. Of course, the team will also make use of Audi’s own facilities in Germany. The opening of a new branch is another step towards the takeover by the German brand. From 2026, Sauber will participate in the championship as an Audi factory team.
British Talent Pool
Mattia Binotto, head of Audi’s Formula 1 project, emphasized the strategic importance of the new location. “The opening of the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion is a significant milestone,” said the Italian in an official press release. “Especially considering the preparations for Audi’s arrival in Formula 1. This facility enables us to tap into the talent pool in Motorsport Valley and further strengthen our technical capabilities.”
The choice for Bicester Motion is no coincidence. The area is renowned as a hub for high-performance engineering and innovation. Despite a recent devastating fire, the site continues to attract leading companies in the automotive and aviation industries. Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion, warmly welcomes Sauber. “It’s fantastic that Bicester Motion has been chosen as their UK base,” he added. “They join other pioneering companies and Motorsport UK, the overarching organization for the sport in the United Kingdom.”
