Audi enters Formula 1 – the race car will run on industrial fuel

Now it’s clear: Audi enters Formula 1 just in time for the elite series’ transition to synthetic fuels in 2026. “F1 has changed the rules in a way that allows us to participate,” says the brand’s chief.

He was a bit cautious Audi CEO Markus Duesmann also finally announced the Volkswagen brand’s F1 project at Spa-Francochamps in Belgium on Friday.

“I feel that winning or even a world title in the first year after joining is not realistic,” says Markus Diusmann, who previously raced in Formula 1 at BMW when the manufacturer owned the Sauber team.

Audi go with the challenge They previously promised only electric cars from 2026 because F1 would then introduce new rules that would require race cars to be more electrified and to be fueled with synthetic fuel.

Audi will develop both the car and the powertrain themselves – although they could do joint work with Porsche.

“We’ve decided to become a fully electric car manufacturer, and F1 has changed its rules in a way that allows us to participate,” says Markus Diusmann, who also added a new cost cap to be introduced as a reason why the racing series is now so attractive to Audi.

We develop everything ourselves in Germany

Audi will invest a billion dollars On developing an entirely proprietary engine for its race car in Germany, despite the fact that it could be a common cause with his group mates Porsche who are about to enter Formula One with Red Bull.

– We’ll spend the same amount of money we’ve spent on other racing series (the World Endurance Championship and more recently the Dakar Rally, ed.) so it won’t mean extra for us, says Markus Dussmann. Bloomberg.

The team(s) that will compete with the Audi F1 has yet to be announced.

The reason for Audi doesn’t simply throw its four rings at a Porsche engine, but rather uses a completely different chassis than its groupmates, says Marcus Dussmann. Motorsport.com. Then it is better if the package contains an in-house developed engine.

Gives a dick to Mercedes

Audi will develop and manufacture its F1 car and powertrain at Audi Sports’ headquarters in Neuberg, Bavaria. So it will be the first time in 10 years that an F1 engine has been built in Germany, and Audi is keen to note this in communications – a clear nod to its Mercedes compatriots, who are now making their rickety F1 engines in Great Britain.

Two F1 teams as today Mercedes’ problematic engines are used in Formula 1 cars, and Aston Martin and Williams have already expressed interest in collaborating with Audi, according to Bloomberg.

The exact team that will partner with Audi and compete with their F1 car in 2026 will be announced in a few months. According to Marcus Diusmann, the plan is for the team to be able to compete for championship titles within three years of competition.

Photo: Audi AG