Upcoming changes to Formula 1 are luring at least one big name in auto manufacturing.
Audi announced Friday it is joining the global racing series in 2026 as a power unit constructor. The Volkswagen-owned company will join an existing team rather than start a new one.
- Audi said that F1’s push toward sustainability — with a goal of being fully carbon neutral by 2030 — was key to its decision.
- F1’s new regulations will include a switch to fully sustainable fuels and nearly triple the electric power.
- F1 is introducing a cost cap for power unit manufacturers next year.
The German manufacturer’s entrance is “a big recognition that our move to sustainably fueled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Audi noted it hasn’t yet decided on a chassis partner, but would make an announcement by the end of the year. Previous reports connected it to Sauber, which races under the Alfa Romeo name. Alfa Romeo will end its title sponsorship of Sauber after the 2023 season.
Porsche Next?
Another Volkswagen brand is also looking to enter the fray in 2026.
Legal documents published in Morocco showed that Porsche plans to purchase half of the Red Bull F1 team. Audi has said that it will operate separately from Porsche in any F1 endeavors.
Porsche is preparing for what could be one of Europe’s largest initial public offerings in history next month, which could place a value of up to $85.1 billion on the company.
