Audi announces title sponsor for new F1 team

Audi has announced that Revolut, a UK-based banking company with over 60 million customers worldwide, is to become the title sponsor of its F1 team. 

Audi is entering F1 for the first time in 2026 when it assumes control of Sauber Motorsport, which is running as Stake this season until the transformation to Audi is complete. 

The "landmark" agreement will see Revolut's business arm "extensively integrated" into the team’s financial operations as F1 enters a new era with sweeping technical regulation changes, including to the chassis and power units. 

The team has hired former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto as its chief technical officer, with Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joining as team principal, and is set for its best season in 2025, since 2022, when it was badged as Alfa Romeo. 

Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and reigning F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto have combined for 43 points so far this season, the most the Hinwil-based outfit has secured since 55 in 2022.

Audi announced its intention to enter F1 at the 2022 Belgian GP, and was the first new major manufacturer to commit to the new engine rules set for introduction, with a greater emphasis on electrical energy than the current units.

Given the complexity of the new rules, Audi's first season has been predicted to be a struggle, as it has no experience of running a modern F1 engine, with CEO Gernot Dollner explaining that it will be taking a "realistic attitude" into the season.

"Audi is entering Formula 1 with a clear ambition: to use the platform as a technologically relevant and economically sustainable investment in the future of the Audi brand," he explained.

"We firmly believe in the success of our project, which we are approaching with a realistic attitude and a mindset of continuous improvement.

"In Revolut, we have found a partner that shares our ambitions and attitude. Formula 1 is a global stage that offers us the opportunity to reach new target groups together and generate enthusiasm for our products."

As for Revolut, CEO Nik Storonsky labelled the partnership as "monumental."

"This is a monumental partnership for Revolut and the future Audi F1 Team," he said.

"We’re accelerating towards 100 million customers, and we’ll be bringing them into Formula 1 with unforgettable experiences at a pivotal time for the sport. As Revolut continues to challenge the status quo in global finance, the future Audi F1 Team is set to do the same in motorsport. 

"With a shared outlook, global ambition and relentless drive for progress, this partnership will define what’s possible in Formula 1."

Wheatley also added that he felt the partnership was a "strategic alliance" with a "core ethos" being shared between the two companies.

"With Revolut, we have found a partner that shares our core ethos of innovation and relentless ambition," Wheatley explained.

"This is more than a brand fit; it is a strategic alliance, engineered to challenge conventions in motorsport. From 2026, Revolut’s digital-first solutions will power key areas of our operations while also redefining how fans and communities engage with our team – delivering a seamless and engaging experience on and off the track."