Audi To Join Formula 1
German car manufacturer Audi has revealed it will be joining the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier.
The news comes after months of rumours surrounding Audi involvement in the sport. However, Audi has not yet revealed whether it will run its own team, as is expected, or simply supply engines.
Audi has benefitted from new power unit regulations published earlier this month, that have been designed specifically to make it easier for newcomers to join the sport at a competitive level.
The 2026 power units will maintain the current V6 engine architecture but feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels, two factors Audi say were key to it joining.
Audi – who are part of the Volkswagen Group – added that it also supports F1’s plans to be more sustainable and cost efficient, with a cost cap for power unit manufacturers introduced in 2023 and F1 setting a target of being Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali commented, “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer, and technological innovator. 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.”
The manufacturer said they will announce a decision on which team they will be “lining up with in 2026 by the end of this year”.
Despite being previously linked to a partnership with McLaren, it is expected to take a controlling interest in Swiss-based Sauber, currently racing as Alfa Romeo, and enter as a full manufacturer in the manner of Ferrari and Mercedes.
The power unit will be developed at Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg, Germany, marking the first time in more than a decade that F1 powertrain will be built in the country.
Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann, commented, “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA. Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.
“The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry. 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.”
Adam Baker, who has held several senior positions for manufacturers and teams in motorsport while also spending three years at the FIA, will run the Formula 1 project as CEO.
Another Volkswagen-owned brand, Porsche, has also been heavily linked with F1 in recent months. Despite Audi beating Porsche to an official announcement, it is still expected to eventually follow. It will reportedly link up with Red Bull that has its own Powertrains Division focused on the 2026 changes.
