Audi signs F1 technical partnership with fuel and oil supplier BP

©Audi/Sauber

Audi has announced that it has signed a technical partnership with oil and energy giant BP for its upcoming F1 project with Sauber.

The alliance will see BP supply Audi-Sauber with the crucial 100% sustainable fuel mandated for the 2026 regulations.

But the partnership extends beyond fuel, with BP's lubricant brand, Castrol, providing the team with a full range of lubricants and greases. To further solidify the collaboration, BP has secured prominent marketing rights with the team for its BP, Castrol, and Aral (its German fuel and retail brand) labels.

The partnership will also encompass the production of e-fluids, essential for the efficient operation of the car's hybrid components.

This strategic alliance marks a significant step for Audi as it prepares to enter Formula 1 in 2026. By securing a reliable and experienced partner like BP, Audi aims to maximize its chances of success in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.

Read also: Sauber bolsters leadership team with key hire ahead of Audi era

It's worth noting that BP has a previous history in Formula 1, having supplied fuel and lubricants to the Alpine team since 2017. The company's experience in the sport will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Audi's F1 project.

“Audi and BP have always worked together successfully in motorsport,” Audi F1 CEO Andreas Seidl said.

“We are delighted that we can take this special partnership to the next level in Formula 1.

“Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and BP and Castrol also aspire to deliver the best technologies in the field of fuels and lubricants. This is a perfect match.

“It is a strong signal for Audi’s future F1 factory team that we have been able to establish this partnership at such an early stage.

“We sense the appeal of the Audi F1 Project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1.”

©Audi

Audi and BP are already well acquainted with each other. The two companies have been collaborating closely for several years, with BP supplying fuel for the development of Audi’s V6 turbo hybrid next-generation F1 powertrain.

"There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026," added Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing.

"In view of the high-performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with BP as our partner.

"The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimised by developing the engine in combination with the fuel properties.

"That’s why at Audi Formula Racing, where we are well advanced with Audi’s F1 power unit development, we use all three single-cylinder test benches allowed by the FIA regulations intensively for fuel development.

"It is impressive how many different fuel variants we have developed to date as we prepare for our 2026 race season. I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with BP and Castrol."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.