Audi will be a part of Method One beginning in 2026 because the Volkswagen Group model bets it could possibly bolster its enterprise by competing within the widespread racing circuit.
F1 racing intends to modify to automobiles operating on artificial gasoline from 2026 as a part of a plan to develop into carbon impartial by the tip of the last decade.
The brand new guidelines will deliver larger electrification and the usage of superior sustainable gasoline, with energy unit producers additionally topic to a price cap from subsequent season.
“Now we have determined to be a full electrical automotive producer and F1 has modified the principles in a means that we will enter,” Audi CEO Markus Duesmann, who was beforehand concerned in Method One with BMW when it owned Sauber, informed reporters on Friday.
Adam Baker, a motorsport veteran and former worker of Method One’s FIA governing physique, would be the CEO of Audi’s F1 mission.
Audi’s powertrain operations can be primarily based in Neuburg an der Donau, close to the automaker’s headquarters at Ingolstadt, Germany, with a separate Audi Sport subsidiary being based for the mission.
Audi has been in talks with the Swiss-based Sauber Group, whose workforce competes below the Alfa Romeo title, based on stories by Reuters and different media.
Aston Martin and Williams, who each use Mercedes engines, have additionally expressed an curiosity in linking up with Audi.
Audi received Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race 13 instances earlier than quitting in 2017 and the marque has a pedigree courting again to pre-World Warfare Two grand prix racing as Auto Union.
It should proceed to compete within the annual Dakar Rally, held in Saudi Arabia, with an electrical prototype in addition to buyer racing with GT automobiles.
Audi didn’t put any determine on the prices concerned of getting into Method One, or how a lot had been put aside, however stated it didn’t must become profitable with the dedication.
“We’ll spend as a lot cash as we did spend for the opposite racing sequence earlier than, so for us it is not a further spend,” stated Duesmann, who stated the plan was for a really long-term engagement.
“There’s a excessive probability of getting an Audi powertrain in an current automotive,” he added when pressed in regards to the seemingly future associate. “We is not going to arrange an entire new workforce. It is significantly better if you happen to begin with an current automotive.”
Duesmann stated the plan was to be ‘very aggressive’ throughout the first three years.
Porsche, one other VW Group model, can also be anticipated to enter Method One in 2026 in partnership with present championship leaders Crimson Bull.
Reuters contributed to this report