It's Official: Audi Announces Plan to Enter F1 In 2026, Shows Off Race Car

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The four-rings brand confirms it's participation in Formula One (F1) ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

It is OFFICIAL: Audi is joining Formula 1. Rumors have persisted for years even that Formula 1 would gain a new manufacturer (or several). For the most part, the speculation has bounced between either Audi or Porsche joining the popular motorsport.


With Audi making a much quicker transition to alternative fuels and electrification, it seemed more likely that Porsche would be the Volkswagen Group brand to jump into F1, not the other way around. But, in recent months the whispers around the paddock mentioned Audi more and more.

Finally, during a "special" press conference held just before the Belgian Grand Prix weekend kicks off, Audi made it official, stating it has put in motion plans to join Formula 1 in 2026. The press conference included FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Audi AG CEO Markus Duesmann, and Audi Chief Technical Officer Oliver Hoffmann.


Why would Audi join Formula 1? "Motorsport is an integral part of Audi's DNA," says Markus Duesmann. "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."

When Duesmann refers to the "new rules," he is specifically talking about the new engine regulations that will start with the 2026 season, which lines up with when Audi plans to join the sport. While it is true that in 2026 Formula 1 will continue to use internal combustion engines, the new regulations will result in power units that have a "net zero" carbon footprint.

F1 plans to achieve this by requiring engines run on biofuels rather than traditional deceased dino juice. Also, a new electric motor that is three times more powerful will replace the current unit. The result is 1,000 horsepower of green energy versus the 850-ish horsepower the cars currently make with their twin-turbo V-6.

This is pure speculation, but if Audi truly plans to use F1 as a "laboratory," then expect it to lean into that racing connection to develop its roadgoing electrified products. It could possibly even mean in addition to its slate of all-electric vehicles like the 2023 Q4 e-Tron and e-Tron GT , Audi could be exploring consumer biofuel hybrids as well. Technically speaking, a biofuel combustion engine might even skirt past regulations like California's new law that would ban fossil fueled cars by 2030.






Cc: motortrend.com

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