Prominent car manufacturer Audi has announced that it would join Formula One as a power unit constructor in 2026. The announcement came after the approval of F1’s revised engine regulations for 2026, which will give Audi the chance to compete in the sport on more equal footing with current power unit suppliers.
The project will be based at the Audi Sport facility in Neuburg, Germany, which is close to the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt and where Audi has already installed F1 engine test benches.
Markus Duesmann, the chairman of Audi’s board of management, declared that “motorsport is an intrinsic part of Audi’s DNA.” Formula One serves as a very demanding development lab as well as a global showcase for our brand.
“In our industry, innovation and technology transfer are always fueled by a combination of strong performance and competition. The moment is right for us to become involved given the new regulations. After all, Audi and Formula One have distinct sustainability objectives.
When asked who would use the power units in 2026 during a news briefing at Spa Francorchamps ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Duesmann responded that Audi “hadn’t decided” on a chassis partner.
According to rumours, it is about to officially confirm an agreement to acquire a stake in the current Sauber F1 team, which competes under the name of title sponsor Alfa Romeo. Duesmann stated that Audi had taken a number of potential chassis partner choices into consideration and would make an announcement before the year was over.
“There are great chassis partners on the circuit, and we spoke with a number of them. When we make a decision, we’ll let you know,” he said.
Alfa Romeo said later on Friday that it would sever ties with Sauber before the conclusion of 2023.
When asked if Audi expected to immediately be competitive in Formula 1, Duesmann responded, “I feel that’s not realistic. Although we do have a plan internally for what we want to do, that would be excellent.
“Ideally, we should be quite competitive within the first three years.”
The Volkswagen Group’s sister firm Porsche, which is also a part of Audi’s announcement, is likely to do the same. Porsche also intends to enter Formula One in 2026 by purchasing 50% of the Red Bull F1 team, according to paperwork disclosed in Morocco to comply with the nation’s antitrust regulations, though no official announcement has been made. Audi has guaranteed that any upcoming Porsche projects will be independent from the creation of its own power units.
The 2026 F1 engine regulations call for a changeover to totally sustainable fuels and an increase in the hybrid unit’s electrical output. The complex MGU-H unit, which combats turbo lag and recovers energy from the turbocharger in existing F1 power units, will also be eliminated under the new regulations.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said, “I am thrilled to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive company, pioneer, and technology innovator. “This is a significant milestone for our sport that demonstrates the tremendous strength we have as a worldwide platform that is expanding.
“It is also a significant acknowledgment that switching to hybrid engines powered by sustainably sourced fuel in 2026 will help the car industry in the long run. We are all anticipating seeing the Audi insignia on the starting grid and will learn more about their plans in due course.”
Audi will join current power unit suppliers Red Bull Powertrains, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault.
