Audi announced its future participation in Formula One at a press conference at the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The project will be based at the Audi Sport plant in Neuburg, near Ingolstadt.
Audi executives said the company was interested in the new technical rules that will apply in the royal motor racing from 2026. They are focused on more electrification and the use of greener fuels. In addition to the existing cost cap for teams, a cost cap for powertrain manufacturers will be introduced in 2023.
For the first time in over a decade, a Formula 1 powertrain will be built in Germany. From 2026, the power output of the powertrains, consisting of the electric motor, battery, control electronics and internal combustion engine, will increase dramatically compared to today's Formula One drive systems.
The electric motor will be almost as powerful as the internal combustion engine, which is about 400 kW (544 hp). Highly efficient 1.6-litre turbocharged engines run on advanced environmentally friendly fuels, which is also a prerequisite for Audi's entry into the series.
The powertrain will be produced at the state-of-the-art Audi Sport Competence Center in Neuburg an der Donau, near the Audi AG headquarters in Ingolstadt. There are already test benches for testing F1 engines, as well as for testing electric motors and batteries. Additional training for personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure is currently underway. Everything needed should be ready by the end of the year.
Audi also showed the F1 car in its own livery, although this is just a concept that will not compete. The team with which Audi will start playing in the championship from 2026 will be named before the end of this year.
Source: Audi
