Audi has announced that it has officially registered as a Formula 1 power unit manufacturer and will enter the sport in 2026, but the German automotive brand has yet to confirm its tie-up with Sauber.
Audi chairman Markus Duesmann and chief technical officer Oliver Hoffmann came together at Spa on Friday morning with F1 CEO Stefano Domenciali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to reveal the manufacturer's F1 plans.
Audi's involvement in Formula 1 - along with the entry of fellow VW affiliate Porsche - had been the subject of much speculation for many years.
However, Formula 1's future engine regulations that will come into effect in 2026, and which many believe were in part tailored to Audi and Porsche's desires, eventually decided Volkswagen to green light both brands' commitment to join motorsport's elite.
"I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
"This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow.
"It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector. We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course."
While Porsche will partner with Red Bull in an F1 joint-venture, Audi has favoured an approach based on acquiring a majority interest in an existing team, which is anticipated to be Sauber.
Friday's communication made no mention of Audi's tie-up with the Swiss company that operates the Alfa Romeo F1 team, but the manufacturer said that it will announce a decision on which team it will be "lining up with in 2026 by the end of this year".
Audi Sport's Neuburg unit in Germany will develop the manufacturer's next-generation F1 engine while Sauber will handle chassis development and the power unit's integration at Hinwil.
"Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA," said Duesmann. "
"Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging 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. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals."
Hoffmann added: "In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1.
"Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies."
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