Audi F1 Factory

The Audi F1 factory in Hinwil, nestled in the Swiss canton of Zurich, is one of the most unique facilities in Formula One by virtue of its location outside the traditional motorsport clusters of the United Kingdom and Italy. Built by Peter Sauber when he founded his racing team, the Hinwil complex has served as a grand prix factory for over three decades, and its Swiss setting imbues the operation with a character distinct from any other team on the grid. The precision, cleanliness, and methodical organization of the facility reflect the Swiss engineering tradition that Peter Sauber brought to everything he built.

The centerpiece of the Hinwil campus is its wind tunnel, which was considered one of the finest in Formula One when Sauber invested in it during the 1990s. The facility also includes comprehensive design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities, along with a modern simulator. Under Audi's ownership, the campus is undergoing its most significant transformation since its construction. New buildings are being added, existing facilities are being expanded and modernized, and the headcount is increasing dramatically as Audi builds the workforce needed to compete at the front of the grid.

The Hinwil factory is complemented by Audi's power unit development facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany, where the engine that will power the team from 2026 onwards is being designed and tested. The geographical separation between chassis and engine operations mirrors the structure at Mercedes (Brackley and Brixworth) and presents similar challenges and opportunities in terms of integration. The Swiss location does create some practical complications, including higher labor costs and distance from the UK-based supply chain, but it also offers advantages in terms of quality of life for employees and a tradition of engineering excellence. As Audi pours investment into the campus, Hinwil is being transformed from a plucky independent's home into a facility worthy of one of the automotive industry's most prestigious brands.