Audi set to make 400 racing car sacrifice DTM chief ‘can’t understand’ ahead of F1 debut

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The arrival of Audi in Formula 1 has been hotly anticipated as it will be the first time a new manufacturer has come in as an engine-maker since Honda in 2015.

It will be the first time Audi has raced in F1 having been swayed by the technical changes that will be made to the power units from 2026, which are set to feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels.

Audi is also banking on the increased marketing exposure it will get from competing against fellow German carmaker Mercedes, who has seen a lot of success in the championship in recent years.

With plans to take over the Sauber team already in place, Audi is also having to make cuts elsewhere in their motorsport division to help fund the massive F1 project.

As part of the changes, Audi Customer Racing will no longer provide factory support to any of its customer teams which fields up to 400 cars across the GT3 category. This will directly impact those teams that race in DTM and major endurance races such as the Spa 24 Hours and Nurburgring 24 Hours.

DTM team owner Hans-Jurgen Abt criticised the decision from Audi to pull support from their GT3 programme in favour of pumping money into its F1 operation in an interview with Bild.

Hans-Jurgen Abt ‘can’t understand’ Audi decision

Audi is not going to shut down its customer racing division entirely, with plans to keep the R8 LMS GT3 and other customer cars homologated for use in championships.

The basic supply of spare parts will only be offered up until 2032, with technical support and any necessary developments.

Abt has long been involved with Audi in the German touring car series DTM, having also taken part in the all-electric Formula E World Championship in a technical partnership.

Discussing the decision from senior management, Abt believes there is enough money to finance the ‘Customer Sport’ arm of their motorsport division without it affecting the F1 operation.

“I can’t understand this company policy of Audi. Customer Sport can be financed with relatively little money. In addition, it is currently booming. I can’t understand that you tip all this for F1,” said Abt.

Audi set for big brand sponsorship

Audi is rumoured to be close to announcing a £25.7 million deal with sportswear company Adidas, offering them a deal which will see their iconic three stripes appearing on their race garments.

But the arrival of Mattia Binotto could impact that deal with Adidas taking place, as the former Ferrari team principal has ties with rival sportswear company Puma.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

Puma has sponsored Ferrari and is now reportedly working hard to scupper any previous agreement between Adidas and Audi, but the former appears to be the favourite to make a deal.

Sauber has also yet to decide fully on its driver lineup for 2025, having given Nico Hulkenberg a contract there are all eyes on who will partner the German.

Valtteri Bottas could be their main target if he impresses in the last few races, while any chance of signing Sergio Perez is said to be off the table for Audi even if Red Bull drops him before the end of the season.