Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 has finally been officially confirmed.
The news was announced in a press conference at Spa-Francorchamps this morning. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Audi chairman Markus Duesmann and chief technical officer Oliver Hoffmann were present.
Audi will join F1 as an engine supplier when the series introduces its new power unit formula in 2026. The regulations were confirmed by the FIA earlier this month.
“I want to officially announce that Audi has officially registered as PU [power unit] Formula 1 manufacturer,” said Duesmann. “So we will, in 2026, start racing in F1.”
“Racing motorsport is in the DNA of Audi,” Duesmann explained. “Audi has always been active and being successful in motor racing.”
Audi has previously enjoyed success in the Le Mans 24 Hours, DTM and Formula 1. “We want to continue this success story now in Formula 1,” said Duesmann.
“I think it’s a perfect timing, due to the new rules that were that ha established now, for us to enter F1. There are many aspects. One, we have decided to be a full electric car manufacturer. And F1 did change the routes in a way that we can hunt with a very high electric part of the power train with renewable fuels. And Formula 1 have installed a cost cap that makes it very attractive for us to enter now.”
Domenicali said F1 had attracted the interest of “an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator.”
“This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow,” he continued. “It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector.”
This article will be updated.
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