Since last year Audi and Porsche have been in discussion with the FIA and various teams as they shared their interest and will to join the sport with the new regulations. With the new regulations approved by the FIA and the World Motorsport Council, the Volkswagen owned brand, Audi has announced that it will join the sport from 2026 as a Power Unit supplier.
As we had earlier mentioned, the new regulations simplify the possibility and attract newcomers into the F1 scene. The power units, which will be even more energy efficient will run completely on 100% sustainable fuels. Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, in a press conference, Audi AG revealed their livery and discussed about their future in Formula 1.
The press conference was featured by the Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann, Member of the Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann, Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The new power units will be developed in the company’s facility in Neuburg, Germany. In the words of Hoffmann, “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. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.”
Currently, the company is working on employing personnel, setting up infrastructure and testing facilities at Neuburg. However, it is still to be known as to which team(s) they will supply PUs to, though there are strong rumors that it will be Sauber, which will also lead to a change in the name of the team.