Audi announces entry into Formula 1, embarks on new territory

Luxury automobile company Audi announced on Friday that it will be joining Formula 1 in 2026. In the official statement, the German car manufacturer informed that it would enter the new territory as an engine supplier and establish power units for established F1 teams.

Audi has not announced any partnerships as of yet, though rumors suggest that the company will be partnering with Sauber, which currently operates as Alfa Romeo. Audi mentioned in the statement that it would make official announcements about partnerships by the end of this year. Media reports have confirmed that Audi will manufacture a power unit its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany.

When completed, the Audi power unit will be the first F1 engine to be manufactured in Germany in 10 years. Commenting on the capabilities, Audi confirmed that it would be stocked to capacity along with additional infrastructure by the end of the year. A CNET report stated that the car manufacturer has already procured test benches for the engines, batteries, and electric motors. The entire business operations of Audi’s F1 program will be handled by its subsidiary, Audi Sport.




The World Motor Sport Council recently gave it nod to the new F1 regulations to be incorporated from 2026. Per reports, the most notable amendment has been about the new engine design focused on attracting new players to the sport. The CNET report stated that the new regulations have made it easier for car manufacturers to enter the world of Formula 1, as the WMSC is about to ditch MGU-H F1 engines for newer, larger, and more powerful powertrains.

From the Volkswagen Group, Audi will be joined by Porsche, which was eagerly waiting for the new 2026 regulations to get approved. The rumor mill suggests that Porsche may replace Honda as the engine supplier for the Red Bull team, though there hasn’t been any official confirmation.