Audi to enter F1 from 2026 with its own developed power unit

Audi has announced its entry to F1 from 2026 onward using its own power unit which they are developing at their new site.

Amid reports of both Porsche and Audi joining the F1 grid with its own power unit and a partner team, the latter confirmed its intention in a special announcement made ahead of the Belgian GP weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

Already there were news of the announcement in the air on Thursday and it was eventually confirmed on Friday morning that Audi will enter F1 from 2026 onward with its own specially developed power unit at its facility in Neuburg near Ingolstadt, with the chassis partner to be revealed by the end of 2022 – speculated to be Sauber.

The press conference featured Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, and Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, alongside Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed ben Sulayem.

They detailed on Neuburg already having test benches for F1 engine testing along with electric motor and battery testing. They revealed that a separate company was founded for power unit as a subsidiary of Audi Sport.

Since they are entering F1, they will discontinue their LMDh project but they are to continue with its Dakar project and other customer racing activities. In terms of personnel, Audi noted that Adam Baker will take over its Formula 1 project as the CEO.

“For the development and manufacture of the Formula 1 power train, we will build on the valuable expertise of our motorsport employees, continue to invest in our motorsports center, and also recruit highly specialized professionals,” said Seebach.

At the same time, Duesmann added: “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA. Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging 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, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.”

And Hoffmann stated: “In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.”