Audi has confirmed its entry into the Formula 1 car competition, starting in 2026, as a supplier of an engine powered by sustainable fuel, as confirmed by the German company.
The new technical regulations, which will apply from that year, focus on greater electrification and the use of an advanced sustainable fuel. In 2023, in addition to the current cost cap for equipment, a cap will also be introduced for powertrain manufacturers.
Thus, by 2026, the electrical output of Formula 1’s powertrain systems, made up of an electric motor, a battery, an electronic control unit and a combustion engine, will increase considerably compared to current systems.
The electric motor will then be almost as powerful as the combustion engine, which generates an output of around 544 horsepower. The 1.6-liter turbo engines will run on sustainable fuel.
The project will be based at the Audi Sport facility in Neuburg, near Ingolstadt, marking the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 powertrain will be built in Germany.
This center already has test benches for testing F1 engines, as well as for testing electric motors and batteries.
On the other hand, Formula 1 has set itself the ambitious goal of being a carbon-neutral competition by 2030.
“Formula 1 is a global stage for our brand and, at the same time, a very demanding development laboratory. The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved,” said Audi Chairman Merkus Duesmann.
