Audi has officially announced its long-term development plans with a new Formula 1 campus near its existing factory in Hinwil, Switzerland. This move lays a crucial foundation for the team's full debut in 2026 and reaffirms the German manufacturer's commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport.
According to a team statement, elements of the new campus on Zurichstrasse will become operational in summer 2026, with full completion targeted for 2030. The project is not merely an expansion but an effort to build an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Hinwil's long history is tied to Peter Sauber, who founded the team in 1970. After running Mercedes' sportscar programme, Sauber entered F1 in 1993, was bought by BMW in 2005, and returned to Sauber in 2009. Audi then acquired the operation in stages, taking full control in January 2025. Since then, significant investment has been made to modernise infrastructure that had lagged behind.
A fascinating anecdote is the wind tunnel, which was funded by money from Mercedes to release Kimi Raikkonen from his Sauber contract in 2002. The wind tunnel on Wildbachstrasse will be retained despite the site being redeveloped. Meanwhile, engine development remains in Neuberg, and the Bicester office in the UK continues as a recruitment base for experienced personnel.
Audi F1 CEO and team principal Mattia Binotto emphasised the campus's vital role in attracting and retaining world-class talent. "Building a successful Formula 1 team is ultimately about people. The best engineers, designers, mechanics and specialists want to work in an environment that allows them to collaborate, innovate and perform at their highest level. The campus will help us create exactly that environment," he said.
Binotto also highlighted the uniqueness of shaping the team's future from the ground up. "We are not simply moving into an existing facility; we are creating a home designed around our people, our culture and our ambitions. This campus is an important part of that journey," he added.
With the new campus, Audi hopes to accelerate team development and compete at the front. This move signals Audi's serious intent to challenge the dominance of top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull in the future.
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