Herbert Diess, former CEO of the Volkswagen Groupannounced in early May that porsche Y Audi would join the F1 for the 2026 season. The Stuttgart-based company is still interested in participating in the well-known motorsport class despite the failure of its deal with Red Bull. For its part, Audi has found a partner in Sauber with whom he will participate in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Audi and Sauber partner for the 2026 Formula 1 season
Under the deal announced today, October 26, the Ingolstad-based manufacturer will supply engines to Sauber starting in the 2026 season. It is worth mentioning that a new set of regulations will come into effect that year, one of the most important being the switch to fully synthetic fuel for the ICE engine. The first tests with the new engine are planned for 2025.
Currently, F1 cars they compete using only 10% renewable fuel. The 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine will remain at the heart of the racecars. It must be stressed that the 2026 F1 regulations require an increase in electrical power generated by up to 50% compared to current levels.
Audi plans to buy a stake in Sauber, but no further details are available at this time. It is known that the German manufacturer will build the power unit at the Neuburg an der Donau site in the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district. While Sauber will design and build the car at its site in Hinwil, Switzerland.
It is believed by Motorsport.com that the team will be called “Sauber” again for the 2024 and 2025 seasons instead of the “Alfa Romeo Racing» which has been in use since 2019. In the following interim seasons, the F1 team will continue to use engines supplied by ferrari before giving way to Audi powerhouse in 2026.
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Font: Engine1
