Audi has formally announced that it is to join the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2026 as a power unit manufacturer, in line with the new engine regulations ratified for the sport by the World Motor Sport Council earlier this month. The German manufacturer revealed its plans at a press conference at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit ahead of this weekend’s FIA Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, with Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, and Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, joining with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali to announce the programme. 

The Audi representatives confirmed that the manufacturer will compete from 2026 with a specially developed power unit. The project will be based at Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg near Ingolstadt. This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 powertrain will be built in Germany.

“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” says Markus Duesmann. “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory. The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.”

Welcoming Audi’s decision to compete at the pinnacle of single-seater racing, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “This is a milestone for Formula 1 and the FIA. I drove Audi in my competitive career and it was an amazing experience to drive a four-wheel car on gravel with them. I would like to thank all of the teams involved in this announcement, at F1, at Audi and within the FIA and today’s announcement is an endorsement of the hard work done by all stakeholders to develop the new power unit regulations for 2026. The regulations have paved the way for new entrants to the world's top motor sport category and Audi’s presence here today is a result of that.”

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator. This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow.  It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector. We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.”