By Joe Murphy
After much speculation, it has finally been confirmed that Audi will join Formula 1, in 2026. The German car company has now officially registered as a power-unit manufacturer in the sport, meaning the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes have iminent and serious competition. Furthermore,
the company has not yet stated whether it will run its own team or solely be an engine supplier, for someone like Red Bull.
“Racing is in the DNA of Audi. If you think about Le Mans, DTM and Formula E, we have always been very active and very successful,” Duesmann said.
“We want to continue this success story in F1.”
Duesmann revealed the decision had been made because of new rules that feature an increased electrical component in engines and fully sustainable fuels. These recent, long term changes to the sport, suit the vision the car company is set to share.
Audi said it would clarify who they will be joining forces with, by the end of 2022.
It could see them become the force behind Alfa Romeo, currently supplied by Ferrari. This Sauber-Audi alliance could see the team become hugely more competitive.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali was pleased with the news, “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.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem labelled the moment as “a milestone”.
What is clear is that F1’s budget cap, first introduced in 2021, has made the decision a lot easier for Audi. It is also suggested that F1’s decision to go carbon neutral by 2030, was also key.
In 2026, F1 will continue with 1.6-litre turbo hybrid engines but will make significant changes from those used since 2014.
The hybrid element will supply more than 50% of the overall power, the complicated MGU-H that recovers energy from the turbo, will become sustainable with only synthetic fuels used. These emit only the carbon taken out of the atmosphere to make them.
As reported earlier this year by Wheel2Wheel Reports, Porsche, is also expected to enter F1 around the same time as an engine partner to current leader in the standings, Red Bull.
It is not yet known whether these ventures would be connected, or remain separate. We should know more as the season progresses.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 