Audi has announced it will be joining Formula 1 from 2026 with specially designed power units, making the first German built power trains in more than a decade.

In addition to the sport’s high popularity in key markets such as China and the USA, Audi says the key to their decision to become involved in Formula 1 is the sport’s ‘sustainability’ and ‘cost-efficiency’. 

In 2023 A cost cap for power unit manufacturers will be introduced in addition to the already existing caps on teams’ race budgets. 

The racing series also has an ambitious goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

Audi AG chairman of the board of management, Markus Duesmann said, “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,” he said. 

Audi AG, Member of the board for technical development, Oliver Hoffmann added, “In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey.”

Audi’s power units will be built in a ‘state-of-the-art’ facility in Neuburg an der Donau, nearby Audi AG’s company headquarters is Ingolstadt, Germany.

Audi Sport managing director, Julius Seebach said, “For the development and manufacture of the formula 1 power train; we will build on the valuable expertise of our employees, continue to invest in our motorsports centre, and also recruit highly specialised professionals.”

The announcement of Audi’s Formula 1 ambition does coincide with a restructure in Audi Sport’s management. Mr Seebach will be moving to AUDI AG to take on a strategic business role in technical development from September 1st, 2022.

Audi Sport’s current chief operating officer racing, Rolf Michl will succeed him as managing director.

An announcement of what team Audi decides to partner on the Formula 1 grid in 2026 is expected to be made by the end of 2022.

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