Formula 1: Audi joins from the 2026 season
Audi will participate in Formula 1 starting in 2026. The reason for the commitment is a set of regulations that strengthens the electric share.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula One CEO, Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, and Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development (from left) (Image: Audi)
(Bild: Pillau)
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Audi will participate in Formula 1 from 2026 with a self-developed hybrid drive. The Volkswagen Group brand made the announcement at a press conference during the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps.
Audi cited the changes in the regulations as the reason for participation from 2026. They provide for equal power output from the electric motor and the combustion engine. The so-called "power unit" consisting of an electric motor, battery, control electronics and an internal combustion engine with a capacity of 1.6 litres is to produce about 400 kW (544 hp).
The power unit would be built by Audi Sport's Motorsport Competence Centre in Neuburg an der Donau. Testing facilities for Formula 1 engines, high-performance electric motors and batteries are already available there, Audi writes, and everything else needed for development should be available by the end of the year.
Own company for development and team
Audi has founded a subsidiary led by Adam Baker for the development centre. The engineer, who will also be in charge of the team, comes from a motorsport background and spent three years with the FIA before joining Audi in 2021. Audi wants to nominate the drivers by the end of 2022.
(fpi)