Audi steps into Formula 1 in 2026

August 26, 2022

Audi’s DNA

Audi announced its F1 entrée at a press conference during the Formula One weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Audi AG, and Oliver Hoffmann, Board Member for Technical Development, announced the news, along with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of the FIA.

“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” Markus Duesmann explained at the press conference. “Formula 1 offers us both a global platform and a challenging development lab. With the new regulations in place, this is the perfect time for us to step in, as Formula 1 and Audi both have clear, sustainable goals in mind.”

Sustainability

The main reason for Audi’s involvement in the world’s most popular racing class is its plan to make F1 more sustainable and cost-effective. The new technical regulations, which come into effect from 2026, focus on more electrification and the use of advanced, sustainable fuel. In addition to the already existing budget cap for teams, a maximum budget for engine manufacturers will also be introduced from 2023. Additionally, Formula 1 has set itself the ambitious goal of being a_{carbon-neutral} racing class from 2030.

Audi Sport will develop new power source

Audi’s new powerplant is being developed at Audi Sport’s Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg an der Donau. There are already test benches for F1 engine testing, as well as for testing electric motors and battery systems. By the end of this year, Audi Sport will have completed all preparations there. Recently, the brand established a separate company – a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi Sport – for the engine project. Adam Baker takes over as CEO of the Formula One project. The experienced engineer has held a variety of senior positions with manufacturers and teams in motorsports. Before joining Audi in 2021, Baker worked for the FIA for three years.

At the end of this year, Audi will announce the team with which the brand will compete at the start of Formula 1 in 2026.