F1 have announced that Audi will join the sport as a power unit supplier from 2026 season onwards.
Confirmation of Audi’s move into F1 comes just over a week after the FIA approved new power unit regulations for the 2026 season onwards, designed to make costs of power units cheaper and enable suppliers to join on a competitive level.
“I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” commented F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali who previously worked for Volkswagen in the last decade during a stint away from F1.
Domenicali went on to add: “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.”
2026 power units will be expected to maintain same performance as seen currently but there will be increase in electrical deployment and fuel must be 100% sustainable, with power units subject to financial regulations in order to make F1 ‘possible and attractive’ for new suppliers to come in.
Audi Chairman of Board of Management, Markus Duesmann confirmed in a press conference that the supplier will line up with a team for 2026, with confirmation of that specific team set to be announced by end of year with Alfa Romeo looking the frontrunner based on paddock rumours.
“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” commented Duesmann as he described F1 as “a global stage for our brand” through “… combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry.”
On why Audi has got involved with F1 now, Duesmann added: “With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.”
Audi also confirmed that their power unit will be developed at their Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg, Germany where there are already test benches for F1 engine testing, marking the first time in over a decade that a F1 power unit is being designed in Germany.
Plans are currently underway for recruiting personnel and putting buildings plus technical infrastructure in place by end of this year, with Adam Baker acting as CEO given his experience across various motorsport categories.