Audi Stands Firm on Formula 1 Commitment Despite Rumors
Despite whispers of Audi dropping out of Formula 1 by 2026, Manager Magazin tells us the German automaker is about to stick to its massive €1 billion investment in the world's top motorsport category.
At an Audi AG meeting in late November, Oliver Hoffmann, board member responsible for development, affirmed the Formula 1 project's importance to the company. An audience member reportedly echoed Hoffmann's sentiments, emphasizing that pulling out wasn't on the table.
The official announcement of Audi's Formula 1 entry came at the Belgian Grand Prix in August 2022. Markus Duesmann, Audi's then-CEO and a passionate Formula 1 fan, reveled in the new regulations that presented an ideal opportunity for Audi to step onto the F1 stage. Duesmann, however, had parted ways with Audi by the end of June.
Gernot Döllner, Duesmann's replacement, who started in early September, disseminated no comments on Audi's Formula 1 project until his 100-day confidentiality period ended. Yet, rumors of the program's demise persisted, sparking concerns about the project's future.
In October 2022, Audi's Board Member for Finance, Legal Affairs, and IT, Jürgen Rittersberger, addressed such rumors, assuring that the company was celebrating its planned entry in 2026, with no other options on the table.
Laying the foundation for its upcoming foray into Formula 1, Audi is constructing the engine in Neuburg an der Donau, while the chassis will come from Hinwil, the homeland of the Sauber team. Audi had already accrued shares in the traditional Swiss racing team, which continued to compete as a partner with Alfa Romeo until 2022.
Back to the Basics
- Audi's Formula 1 plans are reportedly moving forward, with no intention of withdrawal, according to Manager Magazin, though the company has yet to officially confirm this information.
- Audi's entry into Formula 1 was announced at the Belgian Grand Prix in August 2022, with proprietary engine development underway in Neuburg an der Donau and chassis development undertaken by the Sauber team in Hinwil.
- Markus Duesmann's dismissal, which took place in June 2022, was initially met with uncertainty regarding the status of Audi's Formula 1 project.
- Gernot Döllner, Duesmann's successor, takes over with minimal comments about Audi's plans until his confidentiality period concludes.
- Rumours persist, but in late October 2022, Jürgen Rittersberger, Audi's Board Member for Finance, Legal Affairs, and IT, asserts the company's commitment to entering Formula 1 in 2026.
Additional Insights
- Audi's entry into Formula 1 is motivated by the new regulations that encompass sustainability and advanced electrification, paving the way for eco-friendly vehicles with near-equivalent power to combustion engines (Manager Magazin).
- The upcoming 2026 season will witness an entirely fresh and fearless Audi F1 factory team, as the Sauber acquisition culminates in a whole new driver lineup consisting of Nico Hülkenberg and 2024 F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto ( Manager Magazin).
- Unverified reports suggest that Aston Martin's Felipe Drugovich could potentially fill a reserve role in Audi's Formula 1 squad for the 2025 season, pending approval ( Manager Magazin).
remains a significant source of news and insights on Audi's Formula 1 venture.
