New Audi chief vows commitment to F1 entry in 2026

Audi's new CEO, Gernot Dollner, has reiterated the company's plan to join Formula 1 in 2026, putting an end to speculation that it was reconsidering its decision.

Audi announced last year at the Belgian Grand Prix its intention to join the grid in 2026, when Formula 1 introduced a new technical regulation.

Since, the Ingolstadt firm has acquired a stake in Sauber Motorsport, its strategic partner for its F1 endeavor, and is set to increase its holding to at least 75% by 2026.

However, little information has filtered in the past months on Audi’s progress on the engine front which led to speculation that the manufacturer was considering abandoning its F1 plans.

It was also reported that Audi's engine development was lagging its rivals.

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Dollner, a long-time Volkswagen Group executive, took over as Audi CEO in September following the ousting of Markus Duesmann, who spearheaded the company's F1 entry plans through a potential takeover of Sauber and the development of its own power unit.

However, the German executive remained mum on Audi’s F1 endeavor during his first three months on the job, which only reinforced the ongoing speculation.

But in his first interview since taking charge, Dollner confirmed that Audi’s F1 plans were intact and proceeding accordingly.

"There is a clear decision from the board of management and the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen that Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026. The plan is in place,” he told German business magazine Handelsblatt.

Dollner acknowledged that Audi’s previous management structure was not conducive to swift decision making and execution.

"We used to have a very complex landscape of committees,” he added.

"That is why we have now abolished an entire level of committees below the executive board.

“In short: we are now faster and all-important decisions are once again made by the entire executive board team."

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