Audi set to join Formula One

German car manufacturers Audi have announced that they will be joining Formula One from the 2026 season onwards as power unit suppliers. The announcement comes following the FIA’s announcement about new power unit regulations.

Major factors which pushed Audi towards joining the Formula One grid were increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels, both of which will be introduced from the 2026 season onwards. Audi made the announcement ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, but they stated that the team they would partner with would be announced by the end of the year.

Audi’s sport’s facility in Neuburg will be the location where the power units will be developed. Adam Baker, senior member of the Audi family and who has already held positions of responsibility for Audi’s teams in motorsports, will be the CEO of the company’s Formula One project. 

Audi joining as a power unit supplier will mean that, from the 2026 season onwards, the grid will have at least five engine manufacturers: Ferrari, Honda/Red Bull, Mercedes, Renault and Audi. 

Stefano Domenicali, CEO and Formula One President, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator.This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow.

“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.“

Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, stated:

“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.“

Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, said:

“In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.“

Audi will become the first new engine manufacturers to join Formula One since Honda joined in 2015. Reports also suggest that Audi are not only planning to join the grid as power unit suppliers but also with a team and are planning to take over the Sauber programme. 

Apart from Audi, Porsche are also set to join the grid. They are ready to sign a deal with Red Bull and are reportedly set to take a 50% stake in the Austrian team.