Markus Duesmann, chairman of the Audi board, has revealed on Friday that the German car company has officially registered as a power-unit supplier in F1 and is set to make its debut in Formula 1 in the year 2026. It is reported that the decision was made because of new rules that feature an increased electrical component in engines and fully sustainable fuels.
Audi has not yet revealed whether it will run its own team, as is expected, or simply supply engines. It is widely expected to take a controlling interest in Swiss-based Sauber who are currently racing as Alfa Romeo, and then enter as a full manufacturer in similar fashion to Ferrari and Mercedes.
Duesmann stated that racing is in the DNA of Audi and that the company wants to continue this success story in F1. He pointed out their record of activity and success with Le Mans, DTM and Formula E.
Audi said it would announce the team with which they will be joining forces by the end of the year.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali described this development as a major moment for racing while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem termed the decision as “a milestone”.