It doesn't come as a surprise anymore, now it's official: Audi will be part of Formula 1 from 2026 and will start a commitment worth several hundred million euros as an engine supplier. The Volkswagen subsidiary speaks of a "truly special moment", but one important detail of the plan remains unclear.
Audi's entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season is perfect, but initially only as an engine manufacturer. The company from Ingolstadt announced this at a press conference in Spa-Francorchamps, where the Belgian Grand Prix will be held on Sunday (3 p.m. / Sky).
"It is truly a very special moment: We will start in Formula 1 in 2026," said Audi CEO Markus Duesmann: "Audi has officially registered as an engine supplier." In addition to Duesmann and Oliver Hoffmann, Audi Board Members for Technical Development, Mohammed bin Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation FIA, and Formula 1 Managing Director Stefano Domenicali also attended the press conference.
The world automobile association FIA had only confirmed the regulations for the Formula 1 engines from the 2026 season a week ago after months of a stalemate, thus laying the foundation for Audi to enter the market. The world motorsport council also approved the draft, which lays down the technical and economic parameters for the new hybrid drives.
The new engine regulations should "enable newcomers and make them attractive to enter the sport at a competitive level," said the world association's statement. From 2023, the tightened budget limit will drop further to $135 million per racing team. It makes getting started financially easier to plan. From 2026, the hybrid engines are to be operated with 100 percent sustainable fuel. The combustion engine in the unit should only contribute 50 percent of the power, the rest is electric. That fits with the future direction of the auto industry. "With the new regulations, now is exactly the right time for us to get started. Because Formula 1 and Audi are both pursuing clear sustainability goals," explained Duesmann.
Newcomers have until October 15 to register with the Fia. In addition to Audi, there is also speculation about an entry by Porsche. Reports from RTL/ntv that the entry of both brands was already certain were commented last week without confirmation or denial: "We welcome the decisions of the Fia on the future regulations of Formula 1 from 2026. More details about a possible entry by Porsche in Formula 1 will announce at a given time," said a Porsche spokesman.
It is unclear in which constellation Audi will start from 2026. However, the manufacturer is associated with the takeover of Alfa Romeo, the former Sauber team. "Audi will communicate a decision as to which team to start with in 2026 by the end of the year," Audi said in a press release. Both Audi and Porsche are already developing their own Formula 1 engines.
