german team Audi advertisement this Friday, on the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix, will join the paddock formula 1 from 2026This is the year when regulations regarding power unit cycles will change again, as approved by the FIA ​​last week.

With Audi’s inclusion in the great Formula 1 circus, Volkswagen Group takes the first step in its entry into the leading category of motorsport and will do so twice since its sister brand. Porsche will enter the grids in 2026 Thanks to the partnership with Austrian team Red Bull, Audi can do the same with Sauber, which is now racing under the name Alfa Romeo.

At Audi they plan to begin development of the new power units at their headquarters in Neuburg (Germany) and will use FIA ​​Safety Director Adam Baker as the supervisory leader of the entire project for the past three seasons, drawing on his experience. With the BMW team from 2005 until his departure from F1 in 2009.

Audi president Markus Duesmann reassured that “motor racing is an integral part of Audi’s DNA” after the news broke and described the current Formula 1 as “a global stage” and “a world stage” for the brand. development lab extremely challenging.” “With the new rules, now is the time to step in. At the end of the day, Formula 1 and Audi are pursuing clear sustainability goals,” Duesmann said.

F1 director Stefano Domenicali also evaluated Audi’s statement positively: “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an automotive brand. iconic, pioneering and innovative technologically”. “This is an important moment for our sport and highlights the tremendous strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow. It is a great recognition and sign that our transition to sustainable fueled hybrid engines in 2026 is a solution for the future of the automotive industry,” said Domenicali. “We look forward to seeing the Audi logo and will hear more details about its plans over time.”