With a newly developed hybrid drive mixes Audi from the 2026 season back in the premier class of motorsport. This is the first Formula 1 drive in a decade Germany, namely at the Audi Sport location in Neuburg an der Donau. At a press conference on the sidelines of the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa, Audi announced that the new Formula 1 regulations, which put more emphasis on sustainability and cost efficiency in the future, were an important factor for entry.
“Motorsport is an integral part of the Audi DNA,” says CEO Markus Duesmann (53). “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a demanding development laboratory.” The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver for innovation in the industry. “With the new regulations, now is the right time for us to get started. Because Formula 1 and Audi are both pursuing clear sustainability goals,” said Duesmann.
The new technical regulations, which will apply from 2026, will be applied more electrification and sustainable fuel. In addition to the existing cost cap for teams, a cost cap for power unit manufacturers anchored in the regulations will be added in 2023. In addition, Formula 1 has set itself the goal of being CO2-neutral as a racing series by 2030.
Propulsion with synthetic fuel
From 2026, the proportion of electrical power in the power unit, consisting of the electric motor, battery, control electronics and combustion engine, will increase significantly compared to today’s Formula 1 drives. The electric drive will then have almost as much power as the combustion engine, which has around 400 kW (544 hp). The highly efficient 1.6-liter turbo engines run on sustainable synthetic fuel – also a prerequisite for Audi to get started.
A separate company was recently founded as a 100 percent subsidiary of Audi Sport for the power unit project. Adam Baker will take over the management of the company and thus of the Formula 1 project as CEO. The qualified engineer held various managerial positions for manufacturers and teams in motorsport. Before he came to Audi in 2021, he worked for the world association FIA for three years.
Audi will communicate a decision as to which team to start with in 2026 by the end of the year.
Audi at Sauber, Porsche at Red Bull: Group parent VW has already prepared entry
At the beginning of April, the board of directors and supervisory board of the parent company Volkswagen gave the green light for Audi and Porsche to plan “for a possible entry into Formula 1”.
Nevertheless, the commitment is controversial internally, especially the plans for a start with two subsidiaries. Porsche will probably form an alliance with the Red Bull team of world champion Max Verstappen (24). Apparently, Audi is to join the Swiss Sauber team, which is currently in the premier class with partner Alfa Romeo.