It's official: Audi will arrive in Formula 1 in 2026 with a powerful ally to fight for the throne

It was an open secret, but it has just become official: Audi will come to Formula 1 with Sauber as a strategic partner. An announcement that comes a few days after the presentation of his project in Spain to enter the queen category in 2026, thanks to the new technical regulations.

At this appointment, in which Motorpasión was present, Audi already indicated that its idea was to have its own team taking advantage of an already existing structure. Although Sauber was not confirmed at the time, it was expected to be so after it was announced that his contract with Alfa Romeo will end in 2023.

A marriage that hopes to win races in three years

Sauber , which will be owned by Audi, will be responsible for developing and producing the car at its facilities in Hinwil, Switzerland, as well as planning and executing race operations. For its part , Audi will provide the mechanics , which will be conceived at the Audi Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg an der Donau.

This power unit has already begun to be developed in these units, with a V6 combustion block that will join forces with an MGU-K electric unit that, Audi points out, will be 400 kW. However, the German firm will also design the battery, as well as the control systems.

The choice of Sauber was to be expected, not in vain this team has been the springboard for car brands to enter Formula 1: examples are Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Alfa Romeo itself, with which it is currently.

However, Audi does not point out as a mere motorcyclist , but rather that this tandem will form a team as they had anticipated: "We are going to invest in the team in its entirety," said Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing and Project Director, at the Audi Formula Racing presentation last week.

This new team that represents Audi's leap into Formula 1 will debut in 2026 , at which time the new technical regulations will come into play , which maintains the hybrid mechanics but simplifies the electrical part and eliminates the MGU-H. In addition, thermal engines will use synthetic fuels or e-fuels.

To work on the development of this mechanics of its F1, Audi will expand the Audi Motorsport facilities in Neuburg in 2023 , both in terms of infrastructure and personnel. Audi Formula Racing currently has 130 employees, but the workforce is expected to increase to 300 when fully operational.

The car is expected to be fully ready in 2025, the year it will begin its first tests. The goal set by this new Formula 1 team is to sign the first victory after three years in competition.