Audi preps for F1 - begins expansion of Neuburg factory

©Audi

Audi has started in earnest its preparations for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, the German manufacturer commencing the expansion of its Neuburg factory site that will develop its F1 power unit.

Audi announced its F1 plans at last summer's Belgian Grand Prix in the wake of the sport confirming the introduction in 2026 of a new set of power unit regulations.

The Ingolstadt firm will partner with Sauber Motorsport for its F1 effort, with the Swiss outfit designing and producing a chassis at its Hinwil base while Audi will develop its engine at a new 3,000 square meter building - called F7.2 - that is now under construction at Neuburg.

"With the Competence Center Motorsport, we have an ideal base for our Formula 1 project," commented Oliver Hoffmann, Board Member for Audi's Technical Development.

"Audi Neuburg was designed from the outset to be able to tackle the most demanding motorsport projects. This foresight is paying off.

“With the existing facilities, we were able to immediately begin with the Formula 1 project. The expansion will create the necessary infrastructure for the development of our F1 power unit for the long term.

"With the building extension and the installation of state-of-the-art test benches, we are giving our development team the best possible conditions to be successful in the top class of motorsport."
Audi is in the process of boosting its staff numbers for its F1 project, having already brought in approximately 220 employees, with numbers expected to reach 300.

"Developing a power unit for the world's most demanding racing series in Germany is a great challenge," said Adam Baker, the project leader for Formula 1.

"We already have a great team at our facility in Neuburg an der Donau that is growing all of the time."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.