Audi F1 Pushes Back At McLaren: "Not Currently Actively Seeking A Customer"

Audi F1 concentrates on Sauber alliance and power unit development for 2026 debut, downplays customer team prospects amid evolving Formula 1 landscape.

As Audi F1 team prepares for its highly-anticipated debut in Formula 1 as a power unit supplier in 2026, the German automaker is putting its focus on its strategic alliance with Sauber rather than actively searching for a customer team. Audi's forthcoming entry into the world of Formula 1 is attracting considerable attention, especially as it coincides with the introduction of new regulations for the 2026 season.

Six Suppliers Registered for the 2026 Season

Audi will be joining five other power unit suppliers for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The company has already begun constructing its factory at its existing site in Neuburg, Germany, where it will manufacture and develop the power units. As the 2026 season draws closer, teams are increasingly exploring their options for potential power unit suppliers.

McLaren's Pursuit of a Partnership and Audi's Focus

McLaren has been the most proactive in this regard, with CEO Zak Brown engaging in discussions with Red Bull regarding a potential partnership. 

“We can’t rule out supplying a customer team as we may be required to do so by the regulations,” Audi Formula Racing GmbH CEO Adam Baker admitted to PlanetF1.com.

“But with six manufacturers now being registered for 2026, statistically the chances of that happening are small.

“We’re not currently actively seeking a customer. Our focus is on our works partnership with Sauber.”

Audi's Two-Pronged Approach to Preparing for 2026

Audi has been diligently working on two parallel paths to ensure a successful debut in Formula 1, the brand has admitted. 

“Firstly, our ramp-up activities are still ongoing. This is in itself a huge challenge. So recruitment, building works, infrastructure, installation of a number of new test benches, in addition to the test benches we already have here in Neuburg.

“We were fortunate here that we already have the state of the art facilities and we have enough test benches to start the project. But to really complete the full suite of test benches you need in the medium term that work is ongoing.

“And then in parallel, we’re obviously doing the development of the power unit itself and working on the 2026 car concept together with Sauber. We’ve been running the single cylinder engine since late last year, and the first full engine will run for the first time later this year.”

By concentrating on their strategic partnership with Sauber and the development of their power unit, Audi is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the 2026 Formula 1 season. As the landscape of Formula 1 continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Audi and its innovative approach to revolutionizing the sport.