Audi to Enter Formula 1 With Hybrid Power Unit in 2026

From 2026, Audi will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with a specially developed hybrid power unit. From that season, the competion will feature new technical rules focusing on greater electrification and advanced sustainable fuel. 

Cars will feature the the new 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 hp).

The highly efficient 1.6-liter turbo engines run on advanced sustainable fuel was a prerequisite for Audi’s entry into the series.

The brand's hybrid powertrain development 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 power train will be built in Germany.

Formula 1 has set itself the ambitious goal of being a carbon-neutral racing series by 2030.

Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. says: “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.”

Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development, adds: “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. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.”

"For the development and manufacture of the Formula 1 power train, we will build on the valuable expertise of our motorsport employees, continue to invest in our motorsports center, and also recruit highly specialized professionals,” comments Audi Sport Managing Director Julius Seebach, who organised the entry into Formula 1 as part of Audi’s realignment of motorsport.

Audi will announce a decision on which team they will be lining up with in 2026 by the end of this year.