REPORT: Volkswagen Group approaches Sauber amid failed Andretti F1 talks

It must have been an intense couple of months for the Rausing family as their legendary F1 team, Sauber, danced on the verge of collapse due to a possible financial crisis. Andretti sat on the other side of the table, waiting for an offer from the Swiss.

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Eventually the offer came, but the American team currently competing in Indy and Formula E couldn’t even come close to meeting Sauber’s requirements. Of course, Michael Andretti’s desperation to put his own car on the F1 grid forced him not to close the deal without a fight.

Formula 1 F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 3, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen in action during the REUTERS / Benoit Tessier practice

In the end, however, the value was too high for the American and had to give up his F1 dream at least for the time being. Interestingly, Sauber, the fourth oldest F1 team, is interested in selling Alfa Romeo Racing to potential 2026 entrants.

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These are the German giants, the Volkswagen Group. According to Blick, the entire focus of Sauber has shifted to Volkswagen, which could be the perfect candidate to take over the historic racing team.

Audi or Porsche: When will the Sauber F1 be bought?

In contrast to Andretti, it looks like Audi or Porsche are planning to take control of the team by 2025, provided they buy into Sauber beforehand. This could be extremely threatening for the current F1 teams.

The German team will not only take full advantage of the Sauber structure and the highly praised wind tunnel, but will also enjoy a larger budget cap in the midst of the dawn of the new era.

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The Volkswagen Group wouldn’t mind the drivers either. They already have the son of the German racing legend, Mick Schumacher, at Haas. 3 more years to endure Haas’ fighting and Mick could drive for his home team.

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 30, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi in action during REUTERS / Florion Goga practice

But the question is, can it hold out until 2024, considering Haas has been going downhill since the late 2010s? And even if he did, there is also uncertainty as to whether Mick would leave Ferrari behind in the midst of his father’s emotional story with the Maranello outfit.

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Well, the stage is ready for the German giants in their pursuit of F1 glory. So will they be knocking on the doors of the Rausing family in the coming days?

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