Audi Showcase F1 Project As Preparations Ramp Up For 2026 Debut

Audi has showcased their F1 project at the Auto Shanghai Motor Exhibition.

German luxury car manufacturer Audi has announced its entry into the Formula One arena, revealing the launch of its F1 project in the 2026 season. The Auto Shanghai Motor Exhibition was the venue for the reveal, where Markus Duesmann, Audi's CEO, described motorsport as an essential part of the company's DNA.

Audi's move into F1 is aimed at strengthening its focus on sports and its competitiveness in the global market. The company is set to start testing its engine before the end of the year, with the first full hybrid drivetrain unit scheduled to run on the test bench.

Oliver Hoffmann, a Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi, explained that the foundation for the drivetrain for the 2026 season is being laid, with a focus on detail work, including materials and manufacturing technologies. The energy management of the hybrid drivetrain is also a significant focus of development. 

A press release on Audimediacenter.com read:

“The Audi Formula 1 project has really taken off in recent months. In the ongoing concept phase of the power unit, the foundation of our drivetrain for 2026 is being laid today. We attach great importance to detail work, for example on materials or manufacturing technologies, and we also focus on topics such as the energy management of the hybrid drivetrain.

"The first full hybrid drivetrain unit, consisting of the combustion engine, electric motor, battery and electronic control unit, is scheduled to run on the test bench before the end of this year and will form the basis for the future vehicle concept."

The Audi Formula Racing GmbH, based in the Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg, has compiled a team of 260 experienced employees with a background in electric motorsport., which is anticipated to increase to over 300 by the end of the year. No drivers have been confirmed as yet, but Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz are reportedly top of Andreas Seidl's list, with rumours surrounding Mick Schumacher as well.

Audi is upgrading and expanding its Neuburg facility to make it F1-ready. The facility will have new test rigs to aid development in its power unit, and the floor area will be expanded to around 3,000 square meters by the second half of 2023. The FIA is already impressed with Audi's green credentials and has awarded them a three-star seal of approval, the highest distinction for environmental conservation and sustainability.

Although the Audi F1 car won't hit the tracks until 2026, the company's commitment to the project and focus on details is clear. With a team of experienced professionals and an eye on sustainability, Audi is sure to make a significant impact on the F1 arena.