Audi poaches specialists from other teams

In 2026, Audi will make its F1 debut as powertrain supplier to the Sauber team, which now competes in the championship under the Alfa Romeo name. Audi Formula Racing chief executive Adam Baker said the company is actively recruiting for a base in Neuburg, Germany, and has already managed to woo technicians from other Formula 1 teams.

Adam Baker: “The F1 project is an important factor in the transformation of Audi Sport in Neuburg. We have benefited from the fact that around 200 highly qualified Audi Sport employees have moved on to the Formula 1 programme, which has been a huge boost.

We have direct access to approximately 1,000 technicians in the region who work in the local automotive industry for Audi or our suppliers. However, to guarantee competitiveness in 2026, we want to accelerate the learning phase as much as possible. Part of our strategy is an aggressive recruitment program. About 50 technical experts have already joined us, including those who moved from some of our rivals.

Recruiting is always difficult, and the task becomes even more difficult when staff have to make the decision to move to another country with their families. We must take this into account.

However, the situation can also be viewed from the other side. If an employee can move to another employer without changing residence, the risk of losing staff is much higher.”