So in the early 2000s, sauber didn't sell to BMW. How times have changed.
Photography Courtesy Audi
Today, at a press conference at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Audi announced plans to compete in Formula 1, starting with the 2026 season.
“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” says Markus Duesmann, chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “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.”
Why wait until 2026? Oliver Hoffmann, member of the Board for Technical Development, explains: “In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey.”
The car’s powerplant, which will be built at Audi Sport’s Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany, (about a half-hour drive from Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt) will be comprised of a hybrid drivetrain:
From 2026, the electric power output for the power units, consisting of an electric motor, battery, control electronics, and a combustion engine, will increase sharply compared to today’s Formula 1 drive systems. The electric motor will then be nearly as powerful as the combustion engine, which has an output of about 400 kW (544 horsepower). The highly efficient 1.6-liter turbo engines run on advanced fuel that is more sustainable–also a prerequisite for Audi’s entry into the series.
So, which team will this new F1 venture be joining? You’ll have to wait just a little longer, as Audi says it will “announce a decision on which team they will be lining up with in 2026 by the end of this year.”
So in the early 2000s, sauber didn't sell to BMW. How times have changed.
Finally officially official, eh?
And Alfa is officially leaving at the end of 2023. Since sauber will run the Ferrari powertrain up to 2026, who will be the sponsor?
alfadriver said:And Alfa is officially leaving at the end of 2023. Since sauber will run the Ferrari powertrain up to 2026, who will be the sponsor?
Fiat?
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