Preparation for Formula 1
Audi is preparing to enter the premier class of motorsport in 2026: Formula 1. The preparation for entering the FIA Formula One World Championship is already well underway. The future Audi F1 factory team will be based at two locations: Audi is developing the power unit in Neuburg an der Donau, while the race car comes from Hinwil.
Debut Formula 1 season
2026
The Audi F1 factory team’s first season
Powertrain
Neuburg
Germany
Development of the Audi Power Unit
Race car
Hinwil
Switzerland
Development of the chassis
Audi made the announcement of its Formula 1 entry in 2026 at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.
F1 Power made in Germany
This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 powertrain is being developed and built in Germany. Formula 1 is globally recognized, highly emotional and technologically advanced. The championship’s popularity is huge as one of the sporting events with the highest reach. The Formula 1 races take place all over the world, including regions and markets that are particularly important to Audi. After using various electrified powertrain concepts in previous motorsport projects such as Le Mans, Formula E and the Dakar Rally, Formula 1 is the next logical step for Audi to demonstrate “Vorsprung durch Technik” on racetracks worldwide.
New regulations
2026 will see the introduction of new regulations in Formula 1 with the aim of making the championship more sustainable and cost-efficient. Greater electrification and sustainable fuels are part of the new technical regulations. The electric motors will be nearly as powerful as the combustion engines, which will have about 400 kW (544 hp). The increased output from the electric motors means that more energy can be recovered through recuperation. The combustion engines are highly efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged engines that run on sustainable fuels. The existing cost cap governing Formula 1 teams has also been a factor for power unit manufacturers since 2023. In addition to Formula 1’s major rule changes, the championship also has the goal of being carbon-neutral by 2030.
Neuburg facility
The state-of-the-art Audi Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg an der Donau is the home of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which is responsible for the development of the Audi Power Unit. The facility, which already had all the technical infrastructure in place to begin the development in 2022, was expanded for the Formula 1 project. The premises first opened in 2014 now boasts a new building measuring around 3,000 square meters with new test benches, technical rooms and workstations. The entire Audi Power Unit is being developed and built in Neuburg. The F1 powertrain consists of an energy recovery system with an electric motor, battery and control unit, as well as a highly efficient combustion engine and gearbox. Thanks to the supply of district heating from industrial waste heat and green electricity from hydroelectric power plants, the electricity and heat supply at the Neuburg facility is also already CO2-neutral in balance sheet terms.
Hinwil facility
In the future, the Audi F1 factory team’s race car, the chassis, will be developed and manufactured at the facility in Hinwil. After Audi had already chosen the Swiss Sauber race team – one of the most experienced teams in Formula 1 with around 30 years of competitive experience – as a strategic partner for the project in 2022, it was decided in March 2024 that Audi would completely take over the Sauber Group. At the end of November 2024, the Audi F1 Project was further strengthened by an investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar signed definitive agreements to acquire a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG. These milestones further accelerate the preparation for the entry as a factory team in 2026.
Key personnel
Mattia Binotto
As the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer (COO and CTO), Mattia Binotto takes over the operative management of Sauber Motorsport AG at the facility in Hinwil and the technical development of the future racing cars. In this role, he is the overall technical interface between the development teams in Hinwil and Neuburg. Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley will together head the management team at Sauber Motorsport AG. By July 2025 at the latest – Jonathan Wheatley will complete Audi’s new management team for Formula 1 in the role of Team Principal and management spokesperson.
Gernot Döllner
Gernot Döllner is the Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. In addition, Döllner is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley report directly to Gernot Döllner.
Jürgen Rittersberger
Jürgen Rittersberger is a member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG and is responsible for Finance, Legal Affairs and IT. He also chairs the shareholder meetings of Audi Formula Racing GmbH and is a member of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.
Adam Baker
Adam Baker is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Audi Formula Racing GmbH. He is responsible for the development of the power unit in Neuburg.
Nico Hülkenberg
Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi-year contract with Sauber in April 2024 and will start for the Audi F1 factory team in 2026. He will be driving for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber as early as 2025 and accompany the transformation to the factory team.
Gabriel Bortoleto
In Gabriel Bortoleto, one of the most promising talents for the future will represent the four rings in the pinnacle of motorsport. Bortoleto will race alongside Nico Hülkenberg for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in 2025, which will transform into the Audi F1 factory team in 2026. They form a strong driver pairing with a combination of experience and youth.
Our partners
Audi racing in your country
Audi worldwide
Models, products and services – switch to your country / sales region website and discover the regional diversity of Audi.
The international Audi website
Discover Audi as a brand, company and employer on our international website. Experience our vision of mobility and let yourself be inspired.
