by Abhishek Takle
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium (Reuters) – Audi, a Volkswagen group brand, will enter Formula One in 2026 as an engine supplier with a team that will be known by the end of the year, its CEO Markus Duesmann announced on Friday.
The German manufacturer is in negotiations with the Swiss Sauber, which currently competes under the name of Alfa Romeo (powered by Ferrari), according to several media. Mercedes-powered Aston Martin and Williams are also said to be interested.
“Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and an extremely stimulating development laboratory,” Markus Duesmann said in a statement and press conference at Spa-Francorchamps, on the sidelines of the Belgian Grand Prix.
“With the new rules, it’s a good time for us to be involved,” he added.
The Formula 1 championship, which has set itself the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, will have a new power unit from 2026. New rules will allow greater electrification and the use of sustainable fuels.
Audi will develop a hybrid engine on a dedicated site in Neubourg-sur-le-Danube.
(Report by Jan Schwartz, written by Miranda Murray, Alan Baldwin in London; French version Dina Kartit, edited by Sophie Louet)
click here for restrictions
©2022 Reuters
