Audi in F1! Why will Audi become an engine supplier from 2026? Popularity in China and the U.S. is also a boost

Last Updated on 09/08/2022 by てんしょく飯

Audi to Challenge F1 with Exclusively Developed Power Unit from 2026

Audi has announced that it will enter Formula 1 (F1), the pinnacle of motor sports, in August 2022. The company will challenge F1 with a power unit developed exclusively for the sport starting in 2026, when new regulations will be applied.

From 2026, the company will challenge F1 with a power unit developed exclusively for this purpose.

New Regulations Provide Opportunity to Enter F1

The press conference held on the occasion of the F1 Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) was attended by Markus Dussmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Oliver Hoffmann, Director of Technical Development, as well as Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO, and Mohamed bin Sulayem, FIA (International Automobile Federation). Mr. Mohamed Bin Sulayem, FIA (International Automobile Federation), participated in the event.

After 2026, the output of electric power units will be significantly higher than today. The motor will be as powerful as an internal combustion engine with an output of about 400 kW, and the 1.6-liter turbo engine will use advanced, sustainable fuels.

Dousman said that with the announcement of the new F1 regulations, Audi saw an excellent opportunity to enter F1, citing the technical regulations that will be in effect from 2026, which focus on higher levels of electrification and advanced, sustainable fuels, as the reason for the move. He also pointed to the cost caps that will be set for power unit manufacturers in addition to the existing cost caps that apply to teams, and the goal of F1 becoming a carbon-neutral racing series by 2030.

In addition, the requirements for Audi’s entry are that the car be “globally recognized,” “emotional,” and “equipped with advanced technology,” and the company says it has met these requirements as well. The company has also met these requirements because F1 is one of the most well-known sporting events in the world, is popular in China and the United States, and has the highest growth rate among the world’s most popular sports on social media. The car is the most demanding electric racing car platform in the world, and is attracting a lot of attention from companies.

First German-made F1 powertrain in more than 10 years

The project, led by Audi Sport, which is involved in high-performance models and racing, will manufacture the power unit at the state-of-the-art Competence Center Motorsports in Neuburg, not far from the company’s headquarters.

A test bench for motors and batteries as well as a test bench for F1 engines has already been set up in Neuburg. Various preparatory work is currently underway, and all preparations are expected to be ready by the end of the year. In addition, they have even set up a separate company for the power unit project. In order to concentrate resources on the F1 project, the development of sports cars for endurance racing has been suspended.

Audi will announce by the end of the year which team it will partner with to compete in F1, the first time in more than 10 years that a “German-made F1 powertrain” has entered the race.