Audi joins Formula 1 for 2026 amid new power unit rules and VW Group expansion

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German team Audi confirmed its entry into Formula 1, announcing a new chapter that will unfold in 2026 just ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. The move aligns with upcoming changes to power unit regulations approved by the FIA last week, signaling a transition period for the sport and its engines.

With Audi joining the F1 paddock, the Volkswagen Group will expand its footprint in the premier class of motorsport. The group will push forward alongside its sister brand Porsche, which is slated to make its Formula 1 debut in 2026. The collaboration with Red Bull Racing will help Audi explore a parallel path with Sauber, the team now competing under the Alfa Romeo banner, leveraging a shared strategic framework to accelerate development.

Audi has outlined early development plans, with power unit work beginning at its Neuburg site in Germany. The program will be supervised by FIA Safety Director Adam Baker, who has guided the project through the past three seasons and brings extensive experience from his time with the BMW program from 2005 until his departure from Formula 1 in 2009. Baker’s leadership is expected to provide a solid governance structure as Audi scales its engineering effort for 2026 and beyond.

Audi president Markus Duesmann emphasized that motor racing remains at the core of the company’s identity. He described Formula 1 as a global and high-stakes stage for the brand, noting that the project will demand intense development and precision. Duesmann added that the new regulatory framework marks an opportune moment to enter, underscoring that sustainability goals are central to Formula 1 and to Audi alike as they pursue more efficient, lower-emission performance across the racing ecosystem.

Stefano Domenicali, the F1 CEO, welcomed Audi to the sport and highlighted the significance of the brand’s arrival. He called Audi an iconic, pioneering, and technologically innovative automotive company. Domenicali noted that Audi’s involvement represents a meaningful milestone for Formula 1 and illustrates the sport’s ongoing transition toward sustainable, hybrid power units from 2026. He also pointed to the broader value of Audi’s entry for the global platform, anticipating further details about the brand’s plans as the program progresses and more information becomes available.

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