Formula 1: Audi Aims to start F1 Engine tests by end of this year

The German automotive manufacturer is set to enter Formula 1 in 2026.

At the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix, German automobile company Audi AG, announced that they will be featuring in Formula 1, from the 2026 season, in which the new engine regulations will be introduced for the very first time, which include increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels.

Soon after, in the month of October last year, Audi also unveiled that it was taking a stake in the Sauber Group, which will see the Swiss operation, which is currently racing as Alfa Romeo and using Ferrari power units, become their works outfit.

Ever since then, a lot of progress has taken place behind the scenes, with more than 260 specialists already working at the powertrain facility in Neuburg an der Donau, a town near Audi's headquarters at Ingolstadt.

Audi’s existing employees are being joined by F1 specialists, who were sourced externally to strengthen the team, with the German carmaker expecting the hiring process to be completed by the end of the year and staff numbers to have reached more than 300.

Audi’s engine test

On Tuesday, at a presentation event in Shanghai, Audi confirmed that their first full hybrid drivetrain unit, comprising a combustion engine, electric motor, battery and electronic control unit, is scheduled to run on the test bench before the end of this year – forming the basis for the future vehicle concept.

Further plans were also revealed by Audi, like the expansion of Audi’s Competence Center Motorsport, which includes the installation of additional test rigs in a new building with a floor area of around 3,000 square meters – a modular design allowing them to be put into operation before the space is fully finished in early 2024.

Audi’s statement following the announcement

Following the announcement of the testing of its new prototype, CEO of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann said, “Motorsport is an integral part of our DNA, and we are convinced that our Formula 1 commitment will strengthen Audi’s sporting focus.”

Oliver Hoffmann, a member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, also threw more light on Audi F1 preparations and said: “The Audi Formula 1 project has really taken off in recent months. In the ongoing concept phase of the power unit, the foundation of our drivetrain for 2026 is being laid today.”

“We attach great importance to detail work, for example on materials or manufacturing technologies, and we also focus on topics such as the energy management of the hybrid drivetrain. After all, efficiency is a key success factor for Formula 1 and the mobility of the future, these approaches will advance both worlds,” he added.