Audi car maker entering Formula One in 2026

German luxurious car brand, Audi has confirmed its placement to compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with a newly developed power unit in 2026.  Audi is tackling its most difficult ambition to date by entering the highest class of motorsports combining sustainability, innovation, and maximum performance in motorsports.

Among other things, the project will be based at Audi Sport's Neuburg facility whereas an F1 powertrain will be built in Germany for the first time in more than a decade. The facility is equipped with F1 engine test benches, and additional preparations are being made to meet the requirements for F1 powertrain development.

The electric motor is said to be nearly as powerful as the combustion engine which produces approximately around 544 hp. A 1.6-liter turbo engine that runs on advanced sustainable fuel aligns with the Audi sustainability goals on top of a requirement for its participation in the top-tier motorsport series happening in 4 years time. 

Previously, more than 1.5 billion TV viewers watched races from the series in 2021 alone, and its popularity continues to grow in markets such as China and the United States which holds a big opportunity for Audi especially when F1 racing series is getting attention globally. 

There’s no official announcement containing any information about Audi's Formula 1 partner, but as reported, Audi considered a number of teams, including McLaren and Williams, before settling on Sauber, which runs the Alfa Romeo team.

During the press conference, Audi Chairman of the Board of Management Markus Duesmann stated that motorsport is an integral part of Audi's DNA. 

“I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali told CNBC. 

Audi Sport has numerous titles in many categories, including the World Rally Championship, World Sportscar Championship, US motorsport, DTM, Le Mans, and Formula E and now Formula 1 is the next significant milestone in Audi's motorsport history.