Audi CEO Markus Duesmann recently hinted that Audi is seriously considering entering Formula 1. Now that becomes a bit more specific. Audi would now have announced its intention to join F1 as of 2026.
Where Audi had ‘internal discussions about Formula 1’ earlier this month, Audi now seems to have knocked on Formula 1’s door to indicate that it intends to join the premier class of motorsport. that message Motorsport Magazine. The agreements that have recently been made about the engine regulations as of 2026 appear to be decisive. None other than Audi CEO Markus Duesmann would have informed F1 that this approval brings Audi one step closer to F1 participation. Duesmann previously indicated that there was a ‘special focus’ on these regulations, whether Audi would find it realistic or not. There is a good chance that Audi will now further investigate and prepare the entry by 2026 in consultation with F1 and the FIA.
Last week, the FIA ​​announced that an agreement has been reached on the engine regulations as of 2026. The current formula is being tightened up. This means that a V6 will remain the beating heart of Formula 1 cars, but from then on it will be fed with ‘sustainable fuels’. The so-called ‘MGU-H’, a complex engine generator unit which gains energy from heat. The MGU-K, which gains power from braking and can transfer this to the drivetrain, will remain and will deliver more power. As a result, the total system power becomes electrical to a greater extent. Now the MGU-K is still good for 160 hp, that will be 470 hp.
There is a good chance that Audi only wants to join as an engine supplier, although it is certainly not excluded that an Audi Formula 1 team will come. Acquisition negotiations with McLaren are undoubtedly also related to this. Audi would be interested in McLaren Racing, which includes the McLaren F1 team. Who knows, McLaren F1 will eventually become Audi’s customer team.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl