AUDI TO ENTER FORMULA 1

Audi has confirmed they will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2026, with the German brand to develop their own hybrid power unit for the premier class of motorsport.

Announced on 26 August at the Belgian Grand Prix, the move into F1 is being described as a natural progression for the brand that has either previously or currently competed in Formula E, DTM and the WRC, as well as endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Dakar Rally.

The F1 programme will see the end of Audi’s Le Mans project, but development of the fully electric RS Q e-tron for Dakar will continue.

“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” said Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management for Audi AG.

“Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory. The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry.”

Audi are coinciding their official entry with the introduction of new technical rules for F1 that come into effect in 2026 and include incorporating more advanced sustainable fuels and enhanced electrification. This is part of F1’s longer term goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

From 2026, electric power output will increase to around 400kW, almost matching that of the internal combustion engine, which will be a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit, run on sustainable fuel.

“Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey,” said

Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development at Audi AG. “A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.”

The F1-specific power unit will be developed in-house by Audi Sport, tapping into experience and technologies already applied to other forms of motorsport. New personnel with specific F1 experience are being recruited, with the goal to have the F1 development programme up and running before the end of this year.