Audi Is Entering Formula 1

New engine regulations enter Formula 1 in the 2026 racing season, which is when Audi intends to enter the sport and become a part of the top racing class.

Will we see the Audi name plastered across race cars in this class? No, that’s not the plan for this automaker to enter this part of automotive racing. This brand is developing the next generation of powertrains that will be part of the field of racecars on the track. Although we don’t know which team will race using Audi engines, Sauber recently ended its partnership with Alfa Romeo, which makes this team a likely candidate for the Audi powertrains.

What are Some of the Changes to the F1 Powertrains?

Starting in 2026, the engine used in Formula 1 will run on 100 percent sustainable fuel. These 1.6-liter V6 engines offer a hybrid portion that produces power to push these incredibly lightweight cars around the track at some seriously high speeds. The new hybrid portions will produce three times the power as what we see in the cars on the track today. These factors are a huge part of why Audi intends to enter this racing series.

The Crankshaft Delivers Incredible Power to the System

The 2026 engines are being designed to harvest kinetic energy via the crankshaft to send the electric energy to the wheels. This output reaches 350 kW, which is three times what we see in the cars on the track today. This power output translates to nearly 469 horsepower. With this power boost, the total output for Formula 1 cars in 2026 will be nearly 1000 horsepower. Currently, the setup harvests electric energy via exhaust gases in the turbocharger. This allows for an increased need for electricity to be a larger part of the powertrain.

Currently, during a race, the F1 cars use nearly 100 kg of racing fuel. When the new 2026 models arrive the among of racing fuel required will drop to 70 kg per car per race. This is a huge part of why Audi wants to be part of Formula 1 racing.

The Thought of Audi Joining Racing Has been Rumored for Years

The new Audi engines being used in F1 racing marks the first time in more than a decade that a powertrain for this level of racing will be built in Germany. Audi intends to use the Audi Sport facility in Neuburg to build these new engines. Currently, Audi is building the staff to develop these new powertrains used in these race cars. The new items for the new engines should be in place before the end of the year, giving the Audi team three years to develop these new engines before the 2026 season begins.

Another Volkswagen Group brand will also join F1 racing. Porsche is set to be an engine supplier for Formula 1 as well. Neither brand has a racing team, but both have potential teams to partner with, but we’re still not sure which teams will use the Audi or Porsche Formula 1 engines.

What Else Does Audi Have Planned?

Because Formula 1 requires all racing teams to use new sustainable fuel and upgraded hybrid powertrains, the Audi team chose to enter the sport. Another place where Audi is working toward creating new models is in the list of new electrified concept models. Most recently, the Activesphere becomes the fourth concept model. This new model joins the Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Urbansphere in the electrified vehicle lineup. Similar to other auto brands, Audi intends to bring a full lineup of electrified and autonomous vehicles to the market.

All Audi Models Going Electric in 2026

The 2026 calendar year seems to be an extremely important one for Audi. Not only will this name become part of F1 driving, but the announced plan is to have all of its new vehicles riding on electrified platforms by this time. Along with going electric, Audi will continue to work toward higher levels of autonomous driving. Right now Level 2 is what we see in vehicles that have hands-free driving systems, but Mercedes-Benz is working toward Level 3 autonomy, which is a goal for Audi as well.

What is the new Activesphere Concept?

This new concept model showed up in a teaser image that shows a high-riding, coupe-like vehicle with at low-slung roof, large wheels, and minimal fender flares. The image of this car shows a vehicle with suicide doors and a sleek design. This car is only a concept model, but it looks like it could be a lot of fun and an elegant addition to the electric lineup if it makes the production cut. Of course, we don’t expect some of the features to make it to production when its time for this new car to hit the market.

The Activesphere could use the Grandsphere’s Power Setup

The Grandsphere concept showed up with a pair of electric engines to produce 700 horsepower and 708 lb-ft of torque. The current driving range of this car is 466 miles in the WLTP cycle. The power comes from a 120-kWh battery pack. If this car were put on the EPA cycle, the driving rang would be much lower, but still respectable. This new car could be an incredible option for us to have a great electric vehicle to drive and enjoy when its time to head out for some serious driving pleasure.

Racing and Electric Concepts; Audi is Moving Forward

The new Audi powertrains coming to Formula 1 only highlights one part of the future of this brand and what it brings to the market. The entire Audi lineup is heading toward electrified models that deliver impressive performance and quality on any road or track. Unfortunately, we have to wait until 2026 for both the F1 racing cars and the new electrified lineup to hit the market. Could all of the new electric concepts become part of the Audi future lineup? Which team will Audi partner with for F1 racing?

Which part of the new Audi future are most looking forward to? Do you want to drive one of the new all-electric Audi cars or will you cheer on the new teams that use the Audi Formula 1 engines?