£470m F1 team now facing ‘terrible dilemma’ as factory closures could lead to unexpected sale

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The Formula 1 grid is, as a whole, in better financial health following the introduction of the cost cap. Midfield teams can now spend responsibly without worrying about being left behind.

Williams were struggling to ‘keep the lights on’ towards the end of Claire Williams’ tenure as team principal. It would have been a travesty if a team with their history – seven drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ championships – had dropped off the grid.

Now, though, with James Vowles at the helm and new owners in place, Williams can dream of returning to the front. Indeed, Alex Albon is targeting race wins by 2027.

Elsewhere, Haas may be the smallest team in F1 but would arguably be the pound-for-pound champions in 2024. 10 points clear of RB, they look set to finish an excellent P6 in the standings.

Reports suggest Renault are weighing up whether to sell Alpine, but this isn’t due to financial difficulties. They appear to have lost their enthusiasm for F1 after failing to progress beyond the midfield.

Luca de Meo has already halted the production of their 2026 engine to reduce his investment in a failing enterprise. Alpine will become a Mercedes customer instead, although they could race under a different name if the Enstone HQ changes hands.

Audi’s F1 project in danger even though Sauber deal is complete

The Sauber name will disappear from the grid in 2026 after Audi’s takeover, which valued the team at £470m (according to Motorsport Magazine). Employees at Hinwil will likely welcome this step because it significantly boosts their long-term prospects.

Indeed, Audi have targeted titles by 2031, which may be unrealistic but certainly underlines their ambition. Now, though, doubts are emerging over the viability of the project.

Earlier this week, Audi’s owners – the Volkswagen Group – announced the closure of three factories in Germany. This is because VW’s ‘economic situation’ has ‘deteriorated’, AutoHebdo reports.

In this context, they face a ‘terrible dilemma’. There’s a strong argument that they should sell the newly-established F1 operation despite their ‘colossal’ investment and try to protect as many jobs as possible.

David Croft shares his big fear about Sauber amid woeful 2024 season

VW bosses will have to justify why they’re continuing to bankroll an F1 team in the face of mass redundancy. They have already enlisted hundreds of staff ahead of their 2026 entry, but they could theoretically work for another brand instead.

There would likely be significant interest in acquiring their resources. Audi have built a ‘cannon’ of an engine, according to Giedo van der Garde, so there are already strong foundations in place for sporting success.

Cadillac have spoken to multiple teams as they look to enter F1 with or without Andretti. This could appeal to the General Motors division.

Mattia Binotto and co. will be seeking assurances from the ownership that work can continue as planned. David Croft fears Sauber could become irrelevant after a point-less 2024 season, and they’ve surely been counting the days until Audi’s arrival.