In 2026, Formula 1 will be the stage for a revolution with the arrival of Audi as an official team, a first in decades. Thanks to its varied experience in motorsport, from endurance to rally-raid, the German manufacturer seems well-equipped to take on this titanic challenge, balancing tradition and innovation.
Audi: A Story of Passion and Success
Audi is not a newcomer in the world of motorsport. Its roots trace back to the interwar period with Auto Union, but it is truly since the 2000s that the brand has taken off, making a mark with its performances in rally, endurance, and more recently in Formula E. Each victory and each race have forged a know-how that the brand intends to leverage on F1 circuits.
A Technical Regulation That Changes the Game
The 2026 F1 powertrain is set to be a major turning point. While the V6 turbo hybrid remains at the core of concerns, numerous changes will disrupt the status quo. The MGU-H will be abandoned, while power will now be distributed evenly between the thermal and electric engines, which will increase from 120 to 350 kW. This paradigm shift emphasizes energy recovery during braking, promising an even more intense spectacle on the track.
This new approach demands perfect mastery of energy management, and this is precisely where Audi can benefit from its experience in Formula E. Between 2015 and 2021, the manufacturer designed its own electric motors, developing expertise that will undoubtedly be beneficial for its future team.
From Formula E to F1: A Thoughtful Transition
Audi’s presence in Formula E should not be underestimated. As a pioneer in this championship, the brand has gained deep knowledge of the challenges related to energy management. Gernot Döllner, chairman of the boards of Audi and Sauber Motorsport, emphasizes the importance of this experience: “The experience from Le Mans may serve even more than Formula E, because the management between the thermal engine and the electric system was more comparable to the new F1 regulations.”
This statement highlights the importance of the different disciplines in preparing Audi for this new adventure. The skills acquired in endurance, particularly during victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 2012 and 2014 with the R18 e-tron quattro hybrid, are assets to capitalize on.
The Dakar Experience: An Additional Asset
More recently, Audi excelled at Dakar with its RS Q e-tron, once again illustrating its capacity to innovate. Winning this legendary rally-raid event with a vehicle primarily powered by electric energy showcases Audi’s advanced technical skills in hybrid powertrains.
Mattia Binotto, who has been leading the Audi project since summer 2024, praises the team’s skills: “The expertise and skills in hybrid technology, because it has been developed through Dakar and Formula E. It is clearly a major area of expertise, which is useful for our F1 project.” These words reflect Audi’s optimism regarding its chances of success in this discipline.
A Promising Future for Audi in F1
With such a range of experiences behind it, Audi is well-positioned to compete with the giants of F1. The challenges will be numerous, but meticulous preparation and constant innovation will be the keys to their success. As this new era dawns, one cannot help but imagine the epic duels that will unfold on the circuits, where engineering and strategy will make all the difference.
To follow this exciting adventure, stay connected to the latest news from Formula 1 and the teams that will energize this legendary competition. Audi is ready to write a new chapter in the history of motorsport.
