Sauber, based in Switzerland, is poised to unveil a surprising new name for the upcoming Formula One season following the departure of Alfa Romeo as the title sponsor, as indicated by team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi. The team’s association with Alfa Romeo concluded this year, transitioning to become the Audi factory outfit starting in 2026.
Alunni Bravi, speaking at the Autosport Awards event, highlighted the influence of commercial partnerships on the team name in Formula One. He revealed that on December 10, upon the FIA’s publication of the entry list, they would officially announce the new team name, promising it to be a surprise. Anticipating a fresh approach to communication and marketing, he expressed eagerness to initiate the partnership with new collaborators, with plans for a car launch in the UK.
Contrary to previous statements at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alunni Bravi clarified that there would be no Audi branding on the car until 2026. Emphasizing that the current period is not a transitional phase but a foundation for the future, he underscored the team’s dedication to building their future in collaboration with group CEO Andreas Seidl.
Recognizing the need for a significant leap forward in performance, especially to contend with the top five teams, Alunni Bravi acknowledged the importance of managing expectations. He also emphasized the broader impact of Audi’s entry into Formula One in 2026, characterizing it as substantial news for the entire F1 community, with potential benefits extending beyond Sauber’s role as a strategic partner.
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