A Premium Brand Joins a Premium Sport
We have some pretty cool news! Audi will be entering Formula 1 in 2026. While it is still a few years away, moves are being made, and we are so excited to join such an awesome event.
The news was recently announced at a press conference at the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Audi will compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship using a specially developed power unit.
There were recent updates to the power unit regulations in F1, which have allowed newcomers to join the sport competitively. In 2026, the power units used at F1 will keep their V6 internal combustion engine architecture. In terms of the update, they will also have increased electric power and 100% sustainable fuels.
The Audi brand is happy to see that Formula 1 is working towards sustainability and cost efficiency, which have been motivating factors for joining F1. F1 has also set a cost cap for power unit manufacturers that will be introduced in 2023 and aims to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030. We love working with other companies who share the same values as we do.
Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, spoke of his excitement, and said, “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.”
President and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenical, said, “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer, and technological innovator.”
Domenical elaborated, highlighting what this means for environmental and sustainability efforts, “It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector. We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.”
The power unit will be developed at the Audi Sports facility in Neuburg. This will also be the first time in over a decade that the F1 powertrain will be developed in Germany! We look forward to seeing updates as the 2026 F1 World Championship gets closer.
Here at Bell Audi, we are proud of all of the cool things the Audi brand is doing. We love that we get to be a part of such an awesome company, and our pride in the brand allows us to excel at what we do. If you are searching for a new vehicle, visit us today or schedule a test drive. We look forward to meeting you!
