Audi will be allowed to spend more than its Formula 1 rivals under the sport's budget cap regulations from 2026, thanks to the higher wage costs associated with operating out of Switzerland.
With Audi's full ownership of the Sauber team now in place, and its official F1 entry planned for 2026, team bosses have successfully argued for an increased budget allowance, citing Switzerland's significantly higher wage bills compared to other countries.
The exact budget increase has yet to be disclosed, but Auto Motor und Sport reported that wages in Switzerland, where Sauber's Hinwil factory is based, are generally about 30 percent higher than those in the UK.
Unsurprisingly, other Formula 1 teams are unhappy about the potential advantage for Audi, but they are unable to block the decision as a new Concorde Agreement for 2026 has yet to be signed.
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's head of single-seater matters, welcomed the flexibility to assist Audi under the current rules.
"Otherwise, it would be like trying to form a democracy out of nine wolves and one sheep," he quipped.
However, Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur believes that allowing Audi special treatment could set a precedent, prompting other teams to request similar dispensations.
"That would lead to endless discussions," Vasseur warned.
