Audi has just officially confirmed his arrival in Formula 1, the queen category of world motorsport. The announcement was made at a press conference during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. And it is that, when the river sounds, water carries.
Because the rumors that Audi could be working on entry into F1 they have been resonating for a long time, especially with the new regulations for 2026, which is of great interest to the firm with the four rings. In fact, the German brand has declared that this new technical regulations, which will focus on greater electrification, has been a great incentive.
"Formula 1 is a global stage for our brand and, at the same time, a very demanding 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, both Formula 1 and Audi pursue clear sustainability goals."Declares Markus Duesmann, President of Audi AG.
For years, F1 has had hybrid powertrains. However, most of the benefits are provided by the thermal engine. As of the aforementioned 2026, the regulations change and the electrical part will have much more weight. It's more, the electric motor will be almost as powerful as the gasoline one, with more than 500 hp.
To this we must add that the thermal engines, which are 1.6 turbo, will have to use sustainable fuels. The German firm has also confirmed that they will develop their hybrid power unit at the Audi Sport facility in Neuburg, very close to the Audi AG headquarters in Ingolstadt.
With this confirmation, Audi Sport focuses on Formula 1 and also maintains its Dakar Rally project with the RS Q e-tron. On the other hand, as we have known for months, they discontinue their LMDh project for endurance racing.
BREAKING: Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026!#F1 pic.twitter.com/fRnPvmSwU2
- Formula 1 (@ F1) August 26
Source - Audi