Ahead of this weekend’s Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, Audi made the official announcement of their entry in 2026 after the next cycle of power unit regulations was finalized by the FIA last week. The announcement was made at a press conference at Spa and it featured Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann, Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Its sister brand Porsche in partnership with Red Bull had previously announced their entry and now Audi has followed the same route.
Audi’s entry marks the first major step into F1 from 2026 for the Volkswagen Group. Audi is set to develop its new power unit out of its Neuburg site, with its operations being led by Adam Baker.
Audi set to join F1 in 2026
It has been noted that there are already test benches in place for F1 engines, and plans are being put together to expand the personnel and infrastructure for their F1 project by the end of the year.
BREAKING: Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026!#F1 pic.twitter.com/fRnPvmSwU2
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2022
The German manufacturer added that it also supports F1’s plans to be more sustainable and cost-efficient, with a cost cap for power unit manufacturers introduced in 2023 and F1 setting a target of being Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
“I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, who worked for Volkswagen for a stint starting in 2014. “This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow.”
“It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector. We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.”
The German company said in its announcement that it will decide on a partner team by the end of the year, but it is widely understood it will work with Sauber. Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg will be where the power unit is developed, marking the first time in more than a decade that F1 powertrain will be built in Germany.
