Audi has confirmed it will enter Formula 1 as a power unit supplier from 2026.
The announcement followed a teasing post from Audi Sport on social media, while a leaked image of an Audi branded Formula 1 car under wraps in the Spa-Francorchamps pit lane was shared by observers.
A press conference soon after confirmed the news, with Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi AG making the announcement.
He was joined by Oliver Hoffman, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“I want to officially announce that Audi has officially registered as PU [power unit] Formula 1 manufacturer, so we will, in 2026 start racing in F1,” confirmed Duesmann.
“Racing, motorsport is in the DNA of Audi,” he added.
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“Audi has always been active, and been successful in motor racing.
“And if you think about Le Mans, or rally Dakar, what we do now, DTM and Formula E, we have always been very active and very successful and we want to continue this success story now in Formula 1.
“I think it’s a perfect timing, due to the new rules that are established now, for us to enter F1.
“And there are many aspects of F1.
“We have decided to be a full electric car manufacturer, and F1, they change the rules in a way that we can enter with a very high electric part of the powertrain with renewable fuels, and Formula 1 have installed a cost cap, that makes it very attractive for us to enter now.”
A statement issued by the sport’s commercial rights holder soon followed.
“I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator, Domenicali said.
“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 announcement was limited to Audi’s entry as a power unit manufacturer, with no details of a chassis partner or even whether the brand might acquire an existing team in totality shared.
Sauber is the front runner should the latter be the case, the Swiss squad currently operating under the Alfa Romeo Racing banner courtesy of a naming rights deal with the Italian car company.
Further details of which existing team Audi will work with, in whichever form that might be, will be confirmed later in the year.
“So we had to decide on the power unit and that’s what we announced today,” said Duesmann.
“The decision of the team is we will do within this year.
“So and depending on the team, it will be a different way of engagement from our side.
“We haven’t decided how the team has looked like but we will inform you them as soon as possible.”
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