Audi confirms F1 entry as Porsche bid stalls

Having conquered endurance racing, Audi has now set its sights on Formula 1 glory after agreeing to join the sport as an engine supplier for the first time in more than eight decades.

The Ingolstadt marque unveiled a demo car liveried with the four rings during the recent Belgian Grand Prix. It will enter F1 in four years’ time in order to allow the new 2026 power unit regulations to come into effect – which retain the current V6 turbo engine, but with increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels.

Audi has so far announced just its plans to supply engines, but the brand could go further and run its own team as it is believed to be deep in negotiations with Sauber about taking a 75% stake in the Swiss team. Sauber’s current deal with Alfa Romeo will expire at the end of next year.

Audi, part of the VW Group, has been a big part of F1’s planning for its next engine rules cycle and, along with sister brand Porsche, has helped shape what the new regulations will ultimately look like.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted to welcome Audi to F1. This is a big recognition that our move to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines is a future solution for the automotive sector.”

Audi will produce its new engines from its facility in Neuburg, making them the first F1 engines to be manufactured in Germany since BMW left the sport more than a decade ago. Audi was last a part of the sport during its days as part of Auto Union, which ceased production of grand prix cars in 1939.

Meanwhile, Porsche’s entry has stalled after its talks to buy into the Red Bull Racing team fell apart. It is thought Porsche wanted to take a very hands-on role, buying Red Bull’s engine business and also 50% of the race team. However, with Red Bull running away with the championship, it is keen to pursue an independent future instead. Christian Horner said: “Porsche is a great brand, but the DNA is quite different. There was a strategic non-alignment.”

Porsche is now evaluating other options, with buying Williams or even a new entry alongside Andretti possible alternatives.