Audi has revealed that it will make its Formula One debut in 2026. The German brand has stated that it would enter the sport as a maker of engines, and it is anticipated to form a collaboration with the Sauber squad, which now competes under the Alfa Romeo moniker. Alfa Romeo said shortly after the announcement that they would discontinue their title sponsorship agreement with Sauber after the 2023 season.
Last week, the FIA announced the new power unit regulations that will take effect in 2026, and Audi, who had long been expected to enter the sport, announced their decision at Spa-Francorchamps before this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
It is the first significant move into Formula One for Audi’s parent business, the Volkswagen Group, which also owns Porsche, which is slated to enter the grid in 2026 in cooperation with Red Bull.
F1 is seeing a surge in popularity and, while considering its next set of engine regulations, was hoping to entice new manufacturers to enter the sport. “Racing is in Audi’s genes. When you consider Le Mans, DTM, and Formula E, we have always been extremely active and successful,” remarked Markus Duesmann, chairman of Audi’s board of directors. We intend to continue this F1 success story.
Duesmann highlighted the expanded significance of electrical components in the power units and the intention to run the engines on entirely sustainable fuels as crucial factors in the brand’s decision-making. The engines will be constructed in their Bavarian base at Neuburg, under the direction of Adam Baker. Before the end of the year, the corporation will formally reveal the team with which it will partner.
Audi had previously devoted the majority of its racing efforts to sports cars, achieving tremendous success in the Le Mans 24 Hours, where it has won 13 times.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remarked, “I am happy to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive company, pioneer, and technical innovation.” “This is a momentous occasion for our sport that demonstrates the immense strength we possess as a worldwide platform that continues to expand. It is also a significant recognition that our transition to hybrid engines powered by sustainable fuels by 2026 is a future answer for the automobile industry.”
