Peter Windsor claims ‘dispirited’ staff already leaving 2026 F1 project

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Formula 1 will enter a new rules era in 2026 when the chassis and engine regulations are overhauled.

At least five power unit manufacturers will be on the grid including German car-maker Audi, who will finally join F1 after years of speculation.

Audi will be taking over Sauber to become a fully-fledged works outfit in the next 15 months, however, the team has been going through this current transition since the 2022 season.

An update on the project was shared earlier in the year from Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker, who claimed that the power unit is now running “dynamically on the test bench” and that they have reached significant milestones.

READ MORE: Everything we know about F1’s 2026 regulation changes so far from engines to tyres

However, discussing the team on his YouTube livestream, Peter Windsor highlighted how some people have left the team due to being dispirited by internal politics.

Peter Windsor claims ‘dispirited’ staff leaving Audi

While everything has gone to plan for Audi on the power unit side, the background at the team has been marred by a lot of infighting.

Mattia Binotto was recently appointed chief operating and chief technical officer at Sauber, replacing Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl.

This led to a realignment of the control structure for Audi, but according to Windsor the politics in the background coupled with Sauber’s current on-track form has led to some ‘dispirited’ staff leaving.

“I don’t think they know what they are doing over there,” said Windsor.

“I know some very good people who are leaving Audi who are very dispirited by the whole thing and all the issues there, and hopefully, when Jonathan Wheatley gets there it will be a slightly better place.”

Mick Schumacher to lose out on 2025 Sauber seat

The question of who will get the second seat at Sauber ahead of the Audi takeover has been one of the most asked in the F1 paddock now there is only one vacancy left on the grid.

Nico Hulkenberg will be the main driver at the team having signed with them earlier this season, while James Vowles has confirmed that there was talks for Franco Colapinto to join Audi.

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

Gabriel Bortoleto is also under consideration, while former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has called for Mick Schumacher to get another chance.

However, Sauber is likely going to stick with Valtteri Bottas for the 2025 season given his experience and Binotto reportedly ‘deciding against’ opting for Schumacher despite his attempt at an F1 comeback.