The worst-kept secret in the small world of Formula 1 is no longer a secret. The engine regulations in force from 2026 having been unveiled, nothing stood in the way of the formalization of Audi’s arrival in F1. For now, the German manufacturer has chosen to announce only its registration as an engine supplier from 2026.
For the rest, he just confirmed that he would not form a new team on the grid but would partner with an existing team. Sauber (who runs under the Alfa Romeo banner) as the insistent rumors had been saying for several days? No decision has been made but announcements on this subject will come before the end of the year.
This is the first time in its history that Audi has entered F1. In the past, the brand with the rings has especially shone in rallying in the 80s and in Endurance (13 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 2000 and 2014). Since last January, she has also been trying out rally-raid with her electric RS Q e-tron.
Arrival announced with great fanfare
This arrival was announced with great fanfare this Friday morning on the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps since Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, and Stefano Domenicali, boss of Formula 1, were present alongside Markus Duessmann, CEO of Audi , and Oliver Hoffmann, director of technical development of Audi Sport.
“Motorsport has always been in Audi’s DNA, explained Duessmann. If we think of Le Mans, rally-raid, Formula E, we have always been involved. And 2026 is the right time to enter F1. The change of rules allowed this with the large part of electric energy generated, the green fuel and also the limitation of the expenses. We’re going to make a brand new engine, so 2026 isn’t that far off. We will also have to expand our facilities at F1 level, we will also have to hire new people and that will take time. In less than four years, we’ll be on the grid and it’s not that far off. »