Audi: F1 project 'has really taken off in recent months'

Audi says it is now moving full steam ahead with the Formula 1 project that will see the German manufacturer join the grid in 2026.

Audi's entry into F1 will coincide with the introduction in 2026 of F1's next generation engine regulations. That leaves less than three years for its engineers to design and develop a top-flight F1 power unit.

Audi will rely on its strategic partner Sauber, which operates the Alfa Romeo F1 team, for the development of its chassis. Earlier this year, the Ingolstadt firm acquired a 25% minority stake in the Swiss motorsport group that is set to increase to 75% by 2026.

Speaking at Auto Shanghai this week where Audi is presenting its F1 endeavor, Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi AG, gave the brand's Chinese fans an update on its F1 endeavor.

"The Audi Formula 1 project has really taken off in recent months," said Hoffmann.

"In the ongoing concept phase of the power unit, the foundation of our drivetrain for 2026 is being laid today.

"We attach great importance to detail work, for example on materials or manufacturing technologies, and we also focus on topics such as the energy management of the hybrid drivetrain.

"After all, efficiency is a key success factor for Formula 1 and the mobility of the future, these approaches will advance both worlds."

• Read also: Audi targets being 'up front' in Formula 1 by 2029

Audi says it has been testing a single-cylinder engine since the end of 2022, with the first full hybrid drivetrain unit, consisting of the combustion engine, electric motor, battery and electronic control unit scheduled to run on the test bench before the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the build-up of Audi Formula Racing's F1 team at its dedicated facility in Neuburg is in full swing, with more than 260 specialists now on board.

"The core of the development team consists of experienced Audi Sport and Audi employees with many years of diverse expertise in electric motorsport," stated Audi.

"They are joined by specialists with Formula 1 expertise who have been sourced externally and will strengthen the team in a targeted manner.

"By the end of the year, the hiring of staff should be completed, and the team will consist of more than 300 employees."

"Motorsport is an integral part of our DNA," commented Audi CEO Markus Duesmann at Auto Shanghai.

"We are convinced that our Formula 1 commitment will strengthen Audi’s sporting focus.

"The racing series is continuously increasing its global reach, especially among young target groups and in our most important sales market: China."

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