As the Belgian Grand Prix practice sessions got underway, German luxury car brand Audi confirmed their entry into Formula One for the 2026 season and beyond.
So far, Audi have just announced that they will be an engine manufacturer for a team, however it’s expected that they will partner up with Sauber, the current owners of the Alfa Romeo F1 team, in four years time. It has been well known that the Volkswagen Group have been wanting in on the action of F1 and this is the first announcement in regards to that, with another announcement expected from Porsche by the end of the season as they look to join forces with Red Bull as engine suppliers when their deal with Honda expires.
Audi were previously touted as potential power unit suppliers for Woking-based McLaren, however rumours were quickly quashed as they turned their attentions to the Swiss brand instead. Alfa Romeo also confirmed today that their deal with Sauber will be ending at the end of next season (2023), which opens the door for another title sponsor before the Sauber team adorns the Audi livery.
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In terms of the workings of the team, the main headquarters will remain in Switzerland, just outside of Zurich, whereas the power unit development will now take place in Germany. Audi were eager to point out that they would be the first manufacturer to develop an F1 power unit in Germany for the last decade, a small dig at Mercedes-AMG who operate out of Brackley, Northamptonshire.
"I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator," said F1 president Stefano Domenicali.
"This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow.”
The drivers are also looking forward to seeing new teams on track, with Lewis Hamilton commenting earlier in the season: "I think it's great that we're going to get new manufacturers within the sport, especially as you see there are several teams who have potential to be top teams but are customer teams, so I think it's going to be great moving forwards."
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