German manufacturer Audi will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier
Audi announced its entry for 2026 at a press conference at Spa, ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. The manufacturer said they will announce a decision on which team they will line up with in 2026 by the end of this year. Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg will be where the power unit is developed, marking the first time in more than a decade that F1 power train will be built in Germany.
Audi will join F1 as an engine supplier when the series introduces its new power unit formula in 2026. The FIA confirmed the regulations earlier this month. Adam Baker, who joined Audi from the FIA last year, will run the F1 project as CEO. The manufacturer is yet to confirm who it will supply its engines to. It is widely rumoured to be agreeing terms with Sauber, Alfa Romeo currently brands whose operation and uses Ferrari motors.
Audi has previously enjoyed success in the Le Mans 24 Hours, DTM, Formula E and other categories.
Fans are excited about Audi’s arrival to F1 and evidently are curious on a lot of aspects. Let us take a look at some of the reactions on Twitter.
“Got a question and i know it sounds silly but can Audi now just use Audi based engines? For example if they are buying Sauber, would they be obliged to use Saubers tech and Eq or could they invest into their own “Audi” branded car”, asked a curious fan.
“Now we await the announcement of Porsche”, tweeted an excited fan.
“So they’re not replacing anything? We’re getting more than 20 drivers again? InterestingWell I guess it also opens up 2 new slots for F2 drivers to be promoted to F1. Are there already speculations for who might take the seat? Or is it still too early for that?”, asked another fan who was correctly informed that Audi is joining as a manufacturer and not as a team.
“Looking forward to it! I have no idea what they’ve been building, so I’ll be eager to see the performance on the track”, read another tweet.
“Can you re-announce this in like 2025? Ain’t no one gonna remember this”, joked another fan.
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