Audi is entering Formula 1 as a full factory team in 2026, marking the German manufacturer’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport. The brand carries a rich Grand Prix heritage from its predecessor, Auto Union, which dominated pre-World War II racing in the 1930s.
2026 Power Unit Specifications
Audi is developing its own hybrid power unit at its Neuburg an der Donau facility in Germany, the country’s only operating F1 facility.
Engine Configuration
- Type: 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid
- Displacement: 1,600 cc
- Combustion Engine Power: Approximately 400 kW (540 bhp)
- Electric Motor (MGU-K): 350 kW (470 bhp)
- Total Power Output: Approximately 1,000 horsepower (750 kW)
- Power Split: 50/50 between internal combustion and electric motor
Hybrid System
- Energy Recovery: MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic)
- Battery Capacity: 4 megajoules maximum state of charge
- Energy Recovery per Lap: 8-9 MJ (increased from 2 MJ in current regulations)
- MGU-K Override Mode: 350 kW deployment up to 337 kph for overtaking
- Electric Motor Weight: 16 kg
- Battery Weight: 20 kg
Fuel and Sustainability
- Fuel Type: 100% Advanced Sustainable Fuel
- GHG Reduction: Minimum 65% vs. fossil-derived petrol
- Fuel Partner: bp (partnership started end of 2022)
- Lubricants: Castrol Edge for V6 engine, Castrol ON range for EV components
Development Infrastructure
- Test Benches: 22 state-of-the-art facilities at Neuburg
- First Complete Powertrain Run: 2024 (on test bench)
- First Engine Fire-Up in Chassis: December 2025
- Engine Shipment to Bahrain: December 2025 onwards
2026 Chassis Specifications
The chassis will be designed and manufactured at the Hinwil facility in Switzerland.
Dimensions and Weight
- Minimum Weight: 768 kg (30 kg lighter than 2022 cars)
- Weight Breakdown: 722 kg car and driver + 46 kg estimated tyre mass
- Wheelbase: 3,400 mm (reduced from 3,600 mm)
- Width: 1,900 mm (reduced from 2,000 mm)
- Maximum Floor Width: Reduced by 150 mm
Aerodynamics
- Downforce Reduction: 30% less than current cars
- Drag Reduction: 55% less than current cars
- Active Aerodynamics: X-Mode (low drag for straights) and Z-Mode (high downforce for corners)
- DRS Replacement: Manual Override Mode for overtaking
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheel Size: 18 inches (retained from 2022)
- Front Tyre Width: Reduced by 25 mm
- Rear Tyre Width: Reduced by 30 mm
Safety Enhancements
- Roll Hoop Loads: Increased from 16G to 20G
- Side Intrusion Protection: More than doubled around cockpit and fuel cell
- Test Loads: Increased from 141 kN to 167 kN
Team Structure and Management
Leadership
- Head of Audi F1 Project: Mattia Binotto (former Ferrari Team Principal)
- Team Principal: Jonathan Wheatley (former Red Bull Sporting Director)
- CEO of Audi AG: Gernot Döllner
- CTO Power Unit Development: Stefan Dreyer
- COO Neuburg Facility: Christian Foyer
- Technical Director: James Key
Drivers (2026)
- Driver 1: Nico Hülkenberg (Germany, 37 years old, veteran with first F1 podium at Silverstone 2025)
- Driver 2: Gabriel Bortoleto (Brazil, 20 years old, 2023 F3 Champion, 2024 F2 Champion)
- Simulator Driver: Neel Jani
Facilities and Operations
Audi’s F1 operation spans three countries
Neuburg an der Donau, Germany
- Function: Power unit development and production
- Size: 3,000 m² expansion completed
- Test Benches: 22 state-of-the-art facilities
- Employees: Over 300 (as of mid-2023)
- Distinction: Only operational F1 facility in Germany
- Sustainability: CO₂-neutral electricity and heat supply
Hinwil, Switzerland
- Function: Chassis development, race operations
- Base: Former Sauber Motorsport headquarters
- Capabilities: State-of-the-art wind tunnel, race team operations
Bicester Motion, UK
- Function: Technology Centre for specialized engineering
- Location: Oxfordshire (Motorsport Valley)
- Focus: Vehicle modelling, software development, data analytics, CFD
- Purpose: Access to UK talent pool and F1 industry expertise
Ownership and Investment
Acquisition Timeline
- January 2023: Audi acquired 25% stake in Sauber
- March 2024: Announced intention for 100% ownership
- January 2025: Completed full acquisition of Sauber Holding AG
- Acquisition Value: €600 million
Current Ownership Structure
- Audi AG: 70% ownership
- Qatar Investment Authority (QIA): Approximately 30% minority stake (announced November 2024)
- QIA Investment: Estimated US$360 million
- QIA Existing Stake in VW Group: 17% (third-largest shareholder)
Sponsors and Partners
Title Sponsor
Major Partners
- bp/Castrol: Fuel and lubricants development (partnership started 2022)
- Adidas: Official apparel partner (multi-year, estimated $30 million annually)
- Qatar Investment Authority: Strategic investor
Design Identity
Audi R26 Concept
- Reveal Date: November 11, 2025 (Munich Brand Experience Center)
- Color Palette: Titanium, Carbon Black, Audi Red (newly introduced)
- Ring Color: Red (replacing traditional silver four rings for F1)
- Design Philosophy: Clear, Technical, Intelligent, Emotional
- Design Language: Minimalist geometric surfaces with precise cuts
Racing Timeline
Key Dates
- Official Team Launch: January 2026
- First Tests: Barcelona (end of January 2026)
- Public Tests: Bahrain (February 11-13 and 18-20, 2026)
- First Race: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne (March 6-8, 2026)
- F1 Entry Announcement: August 26, 2022 (Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps)
Goals and Ambitions
- 2026: Successful Formula 1 debut
- 2030: Fight for World Championship
- Philosophy: “Not entering just to be there, but to win”
Auto Union Grand Prix Cars (1934-1939)
Audi’s predecessor, Auto Union, competed in Grand Prix racing before the advent of Formula 1, establishing Audi’s legendary motorsport heritage.
Auto Union Type A (1934)
Engine Specifications
- Configuration: V16 (45° V-angle)
- Displacement: 4,358 cc (265.9 cu in)
- Bore x Stroke: 68 mm × 75 mm
- Power Output: 295 PS (217 kW / 291 hp) @ 4,500 rpm
- Torque: 530 N·m (391 lb-ft) @ 2,700 rpm
- Aspiration: Roots supercharger (0.61 bar / 8.8 psi boost)
- Compression Ratio: 7.0:1
Chassis and Performance
- Weight: 825 kg (1,819 lb) dry
- Maximum Speed: 280 km/h (174 mph)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm
- First Race: Avus, Berlin (May 27, 1934)
- Notable Drivers: Hans Stuck, August Momberger
Auto Union Type C (1936-1937)
Engine Specifications
- Configuration: V16 (45° V-angle)
- Displacement: 6,008 cc (366.6 cu in)
- Bore x Stroke: 75 mm × 85 mm
- Power Output: 520-620 bhp (685-820 PS) @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 1,182 N·m (872 lb-ft) @ 2,500 rpm
- Aspiration: Roots supercharger (0.95 bar / 13.8 psi maximum boost)
- Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Performance
- Weight: 824 kg (1,817 lb)
- Maximum Speed: 340 km/h (211 mph), up to 380 km/h on Avus circuit
- Notable Achievement: Dominated 1936 Grand Prix season
- Champion: Bernd Rosemeyer (1936 European Champion)
- Key Victories: German GP, Swiss GP, Italian GP, Coppa Acerbo
Auto Union Type D (1938-1939)
Engine Specifications
- Configuration: V12 (60° V-angle)
- Displacement: 2,986 cc (182.2 cu in) – reduced for new 3L regulations
- Bore x Stroke: 65 mm × 75 mm
- Power Output: 420-550 bhp (460 PS) @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 550 N·m (406 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm
- Aspiration: 1 or 2 Roots superchargers (1.67 bar / 24.2 psi boost)
Performance and Legacy
- Weight: 850 kg (1,874 lb)
- Maximum Speed: 340 km/h (211 mph)
- Notable Driver: Tazio Nuvolari (legendary “Flying Mantuan”)
- Famous Victories: 1938 Italian GP, 1938 Donington GP
- Last Season: 1939 (pre-World War II)
Auto Union Heritage
Historical Context
- Era: Pre-World War II Grand Prix Racing (1934-1939)
- Designer: Ferdinand Porsche
- Innovation: Mid-engine location (engine behind driver) – revolutionary for the era
- Nickname: “Silver Arrows” (shared with Mercedes-Benz)
- Formation: Auto Union created 1932 (merger of Audi, DKW, Horch, Wanderer – represented by four rings)
- Total Victories: 7 Grandes Épreuves, 14 non-championship Grands Prix
- Main Rival: Mercedes-Benz
- Legacy: Later absorbed by Volkswagen (1964), became modern Audi
Notable Drivers
- Bernd Rosemeyer: 1936 European Champion, Type C specialist
- Hans Stuck: “Hill Climb Champion,” multiple victories
- Tazio Nuvolari: “Flying Mantuan,” legendary Type D driver
- Achille Varzi: Multiple Grand Prix victories
- Hermann Paul Müller: Unofficial 1939 champion (title not awarded due to WWII)
The Audi F1 project represents a comprehensive comeback at the highest level of motorsport, combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with the legacy of the legendary Auto Union Silver Arrows era. With an investment of more than €1 billion, including facilities, acquisition and development costs, Audi has set itself the goal of establishing itself as a championship contender and winning by 2030.
Sources : Audi F1, Formula 1, Audi Formula 1
