A lot of big stories unfolded coming into the second half of the 2022 Formula 1 season. One of these is Audi's decision to join the international car racing sport starting in 2026 as a power unit supplier.
Audi will be entering Formula 1
The German marque’s decision coincides with Formula 1’s campaign to introduce more sustainable power units from 2026. Both will focus on developing greater electrification and more advanced sustainable fuel within the motorsport’s engine department while maintaining the use of the current V6 internal combustion engine.
“Motorsports is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” said Audi AG Chairman of the Board of Management Markus Duesmann. “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.
The automaker will join as a power unit supplier
Audi is no stranger to developing electrified automobile technologies. It has a dedicated e-tron line that produces hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) models such as the e-tron GT. The automaker even announced that its iconic supercar, the Audi R8, will be powered by an all-electric powertrain for its next-gen model.
From 2026, the electric components in an F1 car will be significantly more potent compared to the current setup. The electric motor will be nearly as powerful as the combustion engine, producing about 544 horsepower. Sauber Motorsport is the likely frontrunner as Audi’s potential team after Alfa Romeo announced its exit in 2023.
“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,” added Duesmann.
A new motorsport chapter for Audi
Audi isn’t the only car brand that looks to join F1 as Porsche also showed its interest to join the competition. The two German automakers under the Volkswagen Group don’t have a confirmed team yet as of this writing but the latter will likely compete alongside Red Bull Racing.
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