Gernot Döllner, who took over as the CEO of Audi in September, has said the manufacturer will go ahead with its planned entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
Audi’s entry into F1 was announced in August 2022 when Döllner’s predecessor Markus Duesmann was in charge at the German brand. The manufacturer’s arrival is due to coincide with the introduction of F1’s next change in engine regulations.
It will enter with Sauber, which completed its final season under Alfa Romeo’s branding this year. The change in leadership at Audi in the meantime prompted speculation it would abandon its plans to enter the series.
However Döllner has now given the first indication he will not change course on Audi’s entry into F1. “There is a clear decision from the board, from the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen, that Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026,” he told Handelsblatt. “The plan stands.”
Audi’s fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche previously announced it intended to enter F1 as well. But it cancelled the project after failing to agree a deal with Red Bull.
While still competing as Alfa Romeo, Sauber representatives have repeatedly dismissed claims Audi had gotten cold feet about its F1 project.
“Audi has a strong commitment to Formula 1 and of course together with Sauber,” said the team’s representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi “This commitment comes from a decision not only of the board of Audi but also the advisory board of Audi and the supervisory board of Audi Volkswagen. So it is a group decision and the commitment is there.”
After announcing its plan to enter F1 Audi began building an extension to its engine factory in order to develop a power unit to meet the new regulations for 2026. It also Audi purchased a minority stake in Sauber at the beginning of the year.
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