Inside Sauber's New F1 Technology and Innovation Centre
Sauber Motorsport has announced the opening of its new Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion in the UK, a development that will underpin its transition into Audi’s Formula 1 works team in 2026.
Bicester Motion is a 444-acre future mobility estate globally recognised as a centre of excellence for automotive and aviation brands.
It sits in the heart of ‘Motorsport Valley’ in the UK’s Midlands, named due to its concentration of Formula 1 teams – seven of the 10 teams in the sport have operations near the site.
Sauber’s new Building 123 is designed to enhance and expand the team’s technical capabilities, ensuring it nurtures innovation and development partnerships in the industry and beyond, and attracts industry-leading talent.
The German team, which has raced in the sport since 1993, says the facility will “provide a base for the team to benefit from the expertise within the region and support the Audi F1 Project’s HQ in Hinwil, Switzerland, to create a cohesive and integrated approach to all aspects of the project."
Pushing the boundaries of innovation
Sauber Motorsport has a long history of innovation in motor racing, particularly in Formula 1 marked by a commitment to precision engineering, nurturing talent and a disruptive approach to development.
The team is currently in the process of transitioning into Audi’s Formula 1 works team, with the changeover fully taking effect from the 2026 season.
Building 123 is a key step in Audi’s plans to establish a strong presence in Formula 1, and to build on existing expertise in the UK – the German brand is currently driving power unit innovation at its state-of-the-art Audi Competence Center Motorsport in Neuberg an der Donau.
Its race car will be developed and manufactured at its Swiss facility, in Hinwil.
"The opening of the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion is a significant milestone as we prepare for Audi's arrival in Formula 1,” says Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto.
“This facility will allow us to tap into the talent pool in Motorsport Valley and further strengthen our technical capabilities while being part of a thriving cluster at Bicester Motion where you live and breathe motorsport.
“The support it will play to Hinwil will be important to our long-term success.”
UK Technology Centre supporting Audi F1
Sauber initially announced its plans to open a UK innovation hub in early 2025. At the time, Mattia said the new facility would be a “significant milestone” in preparing for Audi to enter Formula One.
Sauber/Audi will use Building 123 as a base for UK engineers and other team members, helping to enhance R&D efforts by tapping into local and regional expertise and skills.
The site has supported the development of close to 2,000 skilled jobs in the UK and added more than £400m (US$546m) to the UK economy.
Its location at Bicester Motion is key. The site, which was opened in 2013 on the site of a former airfield, hosts manufacturers, engineers and innovators, as well as mobility leaders.
It has supported the development of close to 2,000 skilled jobs in the UK and added more than £400m (US$546m) to the UK economy.
Bicester Motion and its surrounding region is widely recognised as a global hub for Formula 1 activity, with teams including Mercedes-AMG, Red Bull, Alpine, Williams and Aston Martin being based nearby.
Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive Officer, Bicester Motion, says: “We warmly welcome Sauber Motorsport in what is an exciting step in its Audi F1 transformation ahead of next year’s F1 season.
“It is thrilling that Bicester Motion has been chosen as their UK base connecting into their Swiss and German operations to support their vision to deliver sustainability, innovation, and maximum performance in motorsport.
“They join many other pioneering automotive and aviation companies, along with Motorsport UK, the governing body of this great industry, already based here. We look forward to seeing their team develop and their transformation on and off the track continue.”
