The premium brand is expected to have a partnership with Sauber, although so far it has only announced that it is making engines from 2026.
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Audi has confirmed its participation in Formula 1 from 2026.
The premium brand is expected to have a partnership with Sauber, although so far it has only announced that it is making engines from 2026.
‘s entry VolkswagenThe Audi and Porsche brands’ participation in F1 has been one of the sport’s best kept secrets in recent months, and Audi is the first to confirm their plans ahead of the Belgian GP at the end of the month. this week.
Audi previously had a partnership with McLaren but is said to have turned their attention to Sauber, who currently operates under the Alfa Romeo banner but is in talks with other brands.
Audi, the announcement comes weeks after the 2026 engine rules were confirmed, is planning to develop its own engine, with the chassis expected to be developed at the Sauber facility. in Switzerland.
F1 President Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator.”
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“This is an important moment for our sport.
“It’s also a big recognition that our shift to sustainable fuel-powered hybrids by 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector. We’re all looking forward to seeing it. see the Audi logo on the grid and will hear more details from them about their plans on time.”
Volkswagen’s German rival Mercedes has dominated F1 for most of the past decade but the former manufacturing giant has not been involved in the sport.
However, it did work with Red Bull in the world race championship.
It is expected that Porsche will link up with Red Bull, with whom they have been associated for several years and have their own Powertrain Division focused on the 2026 changes.
Speaking about the potential arrival of luxury brands earlier this year, Lewis Hamilton said: “I think it’s great that we’re going to get new manufacturers in the sport, especially when you see there are some teams that have the potential to be top teams but are customer groups, so I think it’s going to be great moving forward.”
Max Verstappen added: “I think it’s very exciting and also very important for Formula 1.
“Of course we have great teams, but to have really great brands behind that is really nice. I’m looking forward to what the future will bring.”
