After revealing the livery of its first Formula 1 car, Audi takes a new step by launching its young driver development program. A bold bet for the German manufacturer, which is banking on the talents of tomorrow to build a competitive team in the ruthless world of F1.
A Program with Clear Ambitions
In a statement, Audi declared that this program represents “a long-term investment that is a central pillar of our strategy to build a competitive F1 team.” The German brand aims to train not only exceptional drivers but also champions capable of shining outside the circuits. An ambitious plan that could redefine the landscape of Formula 1 in the years to come.
Allan McNish: The Right Man for the Job
At the helm of this academy, Audi has chosen a familiar face: Allan McNish. A cornerstone of Audi’s endurance adventure, this three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans knows the ins and outs of competition well. His career, closely linked to the brand, began with a victory at Le Mans in 1998 with Porsche, before joining Audi in 2000. He once again triumphed in the legendary race in 2008 and 2013, notably alongside Frenchman Loïc Duval.
McNish also had a brief foray into Formula 1 in 2002 with Toyota, where he held various test driver positions. After hanging up his helmet, he remained loyal to Audi, becoming an advisor and then team director during the brand’s involvement in Formula E from 2014 to 2021.
A Vision Focused on the Future
For McNish, taking the reins of this academy is an honor and an exciting responsibility. “Being entrusted with the mission of identifying the foundations of the future Audi Revolut F1 Team is a tremendous honor,” he confides. The brand’s slogan, “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology), should apply equally to the young drivers as to the cars they will drive.
It’s not just about speed: “We are also looking for resilience, intelligence, and team spirit that define a future Audi champion,” McNish specifies. His ambition is clear: to transform the raw potential of young talents into measurable performance on the world stage. With this academy, Audi aims to identify the future champions who will proudly carry the brand’s colors.
A Strong Commitment to F1
Jonathan Wheatley, Audi F1 director, adds that “investing in the champions of tomorrow is a fundamental pillar of our Formula 1 strategy.” The driver development program is a clear statement of Audi’s long-term commitment and its ambition to become competitive on the circuits. “With Allan McNish, we have a director with an exceptional track record who perfectly embodies the spirit and dedication of our operations,” he adds.
Wheatley also emphasizes the importance of this program in their vision for 2030: “Building a winning team and shaping the future of Audi in Formula 1.” A statement that reflects the manufacturer’s great ambitions on the starting grid.
In Search of Tomorrow’s Talents
However, Audi has not yet revealed the identities of the young drivers who will join this new academy. Among the names mentioned is Freddie Slater, the 2025 European Formula Regional champion. Considered one of the most promising talents in the world of single-seaters, he could very well be among the first recruits of this ambitious program.
As F1 transforms with the arrival of new players, Audi’s program demonstrates a clear willingness: to build a solid team on sustainable foundations. The road will be fraught with challenges, but with such an investment in training young drivers, Audi seems ready to take on the challenge.
