Cadillac are set to join the Formula 1 grid as the sport’s 11th team from 2026. But the future of some other outfits is uncertain.
Barring any hitches, the addition of Cadillac will see the return of a 22-car field. Not since the demise of Manor at the end of 2016 has the grid been that busy.
Largely thanks to the introduction of the cost-cap, which encourages or perhaps forces teams to spend sustainably, the existing squads aren’t at risk of going out of business. If they want to withdraw, they can instead cash in on the sport’s mighty growth.
Alpine may be one of the teams who are tempted. They will no longer be a works operation from 2026 after striking an engine deal with Mercedes.
Though the team have consistently denied it, many see this as a prelude to a potential sale. While Andretti won’t be taking over (they’re linked to Cadillac), Hitech have also shown interest in Alpine.
Elsewhere, Toyota could look to buy Haas if they want a fully-fledged return to F1 themselves, but that will depend on the success of their initial technical partnership. Gene Haas may remain enthusiastic about the sport, but the same can’t be said for one of his rivals.
Audi chiefs could abandon Formula 1 project before 2026 season
On Friday, Audi announced that they had sold a minority stake in the team to the Qatari Investment Authority (QIA). But according to Ralf Bach, they could still walk away entirely.
Bosses at Volkswagen, who own Audi, are pondering whether they should persist with their F1 plans. They have just had to close three factories in Germany, leading to significant job losses, amid a financial crisis.
While the QIA deal eases the pressure in that regard, it seems the excitement about entering the pinnacle of motorsport has died down since they purchased Sauber. They could hand the keys to a different party before their scheduled 2026 arrival.
Speaking on the F1-Insider channel, Bach said: “I know that, in Wolfsburg, they’re still thinking about whether it even makes sense [to be] in Formula 1, whether you don’t have to finish the whole thing and sell everything.”
Why the FIA feared Audi would have to close their factory before Qatari Investment
F2 title contender Gabriel Bortoleto will be delighted to join the F1 grid in 2025, even if he’s in an uncompetitive car. Nico Hulkenberg, however, may be regretting his decision to join Audi.
Ever since he committed to the German manufacturer in April, there have been worrying signs. Senior figures have been fired, the Sauber team have completely lost their way and VW have become increasingly non-committal.
There are already rumours that Audi have fallen behind on their 2026 engine. They’re apparently struggling to find the required number of ‘qualified personnel’.
F1 has had to raise the cost cap for the newcomers for their first season. Audi nearly had to close their factory and relocate because salary costs in Switzerland (where the Sauber team is based) were so high.
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