(Boursier.com) — Audi arrives in the Formula 1 paddocks. The top-of-the-range German manufacturer will take advantage of the upcoming change in regulations for the queen of motor racing to make its appearance on the circuits. “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” said Audi CEO Markus Duesmann. “With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved.” The Volkswagen Group brand will develop a purpose-built powertrain at Audi Sport’s premises in Neuburg, near Ingolstadt. It is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 engine will be built in Germany.
BREAKING: Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026!#F1 pic.twitter.com/fRnPvmSwU2 — Formula 1 (@F1), through Twitter
While Formula 1 has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2030, the new technical rules, which will apply from 2026, will focus on greater car electrification and advanced sustainable fuel . In addition to the current cost cap for teams, a cap for engine manufacturers will also be introduced in 2023.
Volkswagen’s supervisory board in April approved plans for Audi and Porsche to potentially join F1. Outgoing CEO Herbert Diess said at the time that the two companies saw the competition as the most important lever to increase the value of both brands, also pointing to plans to expand the competition in China and the United States. Audi’s investment in competition is “very long term”, said the group’s management on Friday, which hopes to have a German driver in its ranks. The name of his partner should be announced by the end of the year. Sauber is seen as the most likely candidate by specialists.
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