Audi AG Y Sauber Motorsport have announced their partnership for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the year in which the new regulations regarding the mechanical section will come into force. A key driver behind Audi’s desire to enter F1 is the series’ plans to become a more sustainable and profitable sport, with 100% synthetic fuels and the goal of reaching carbon neutrality early in the next decade. .
As for the details of the deal, Sauber will separate from its current partner, Alfa Romeo, at the end of the 2023 seasonalthough it will continue to use Ferrari power units for 2024 and 2025. The man tasked with overseeing the team will be Oliver Hoffman under the new company in Neuburg an der Donau, Audi Formula Racing GmbH, where more than 120 employees work. The first test with an F1 single-seater equipped with the power unit developed according to the specifications of the regulations in are planned for 2025.
New regulations for 2026 include manufacturers agreeing to simplify the complex electrified unit of these turbocharged V6 engines. New vendors will receive extra trial time and larger spending allowances. Audi to develop its own engine near its headquarters in Ingolstadt, making it the first German-built F1 powertrain in over a decade; the last one was BMW in 2009, also in collaboration with Sauber during his time in the premier class with V8 mechanics.
From 2026 there will be an increase in power on the electric side of the powertrain. Audi says it’s possible this engine will produce as much power as the 1.6-liter turbocharged blocks. Combustion units will also be required to run on the sustainable fuel, a prerequisite, Audi says, for entry. Fortunately, they have been in development for several years, such as the powertrain. designed to deliver more than 400 kW (544 hp) in the electrical field. Sauber will design and build the car at its Hinwil headquarters., Swiss.
“It is great news to learn that Audi will be partnering with Sauber to enter Formula 1 in 2026. The combination of these two names is an exciting prospect for our sport,” he says. Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of F1. “It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the confidence in our strategy to continue growing and improving, while meeting our sustainability plans to be carbon neutral by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in vehicles by 2026. ”.
“We are delighted to have secured such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” he said. Oliver Hoffman, Audi board member and program manager. “We already know the Sauber Group. With state-of-the-art facilities and its experienced team from previous collaborations, and we are convinced that together we will form a solid team. Audi is the best strategic partner that the Sauber Group could have”, adds the German manager. We’ll see if Porsche does the same.
For his part, the CEO and director of the Sauber team, fred vasseur, explained: “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make our way to the front of the grid. Becoming the official Audi team is not only an honor and a great responsibility: is our best option for the future and we are fully confident that we can help Audi achieve the goals they have set for their Formula 1 journey.” The idea? Make Sauber and Audi champions.
Source: Audi
