At the end of August it was confirmed that German car manufacturer Audi would join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season, the news was met with plenty of excitement from F1 fans.
Following the introduction of new regulations for power units, aimed at encouraging more newcomers to join the sport, Audi have jumped at the chance and the fact that the 2026 power units are set to maintain the current V6 combustion architecture, but also now feature increased electrical power, along with 100% sustainable fuels, they have already stated that they were two factors that were key to their decision to get involved - as well as being wholly supportive of the move to more sustainability and cost efficiency with a Net Zero Carbon target having been set for 2030.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said of Audi's entrance to the sport.
“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.”
Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, Markus Duesmann himself added.
“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.”
With Audi also confirming that they would announce which team they would be 'lining up with' by the end of this year, speculation is rife on what could happen next, and of course, then there is the small matter of who will drive the Audi and online bookmakers reviewed by BetStation will be full of contenders over the next few months.
With Alfa Romeo already having announced that they will no longer be the title sponsor of Sauber after 2023, whilst absolutely mothing has been officially confirmed yet, there is huge speculation in the world of F1 that ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Audi will confirm that they have acquired 75% of the Sauber team and with Duesmann already stating that there is a preference for a fellow German to lead the team, the rumour mill is favouring Haas driver Mick Schumacher - as it is already believed that if Sauber did not have valid and existing contracts with both Finn Valtteri Bottas and the Chinese Zhou Guanyu, they would actually be happy to draft in the son of racing legend Michael Schumacher in readiness for the 2023 season, but it is not believed that Audi are willing to push to break those deals.
What happens next, at this stage, remains open for debate and is anyone's guess, and we are, of course, still awaiting confirmation of whether or not Porsche will team up with Red Bull as well, but the years ahead for racing could be intriguing.
Following the introduction of new regulations for power units, aimed at encouraging more newcomers to join the sport, Audi have jumped at the chance and the fact that the 2026 power units are set to maintain the current V6 combustion architecture, but also now feature increased electrical power, along with 100% sustainable fuels, they have already stated that they were two factors that were key to their decision to get involved - as well as being wholly supportive of the move to more sustainability and cost efficiency with a Net Zero Carbon target having been set for 2030.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said of Audi's entrance to the sport.
“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.”
Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, Markus Duesmann himself added.
“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.”
With Audi also confirming that they would announce which team they would be 'lining up with' by the end of this year, speculation is rife on what could happen next, and of course, then there is the small matter of who will drive the Audi and online bookmakers reviewed by BetStation will be full of contenders over the next few months.
With Alfa Romeo already having announced that they will no longer be the title sponsor of Sauber after 2023, whilst absolutely mothing has been officially confirmed yet, there is huge speculation in the world of F1 that ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Audi will confirm that they have acquired 75% of the Sauber team and with Duesmann already stating that there is a preference for a fellow German to lead the team, the rumour mill is favouring Haas driver Mick Schumacher - as it is already believed that if Sauber did not have valid and existing contracts with both Finn Valtteri Bottas and the Chinese Zhou Guanyu, they would actually be happy to draft in the son of racing legend Michael Schumacher in readiness for the 2023 season, but it is not believed that Audi are willing to push to break those deals.
What happens next, at this stage, remains open for debate and is anyone's guess, and we are, of course, still awaiting confirmation of whether or not Porsche will team up with Red Bull as well, but the years ahead for racing could be intriguing.
