Everything you need to know about Audi F1’s debut season in 2026

When Audi joins Formula 1 in 2026, it will mark one of the most anticipated manufacturer entries in recent memory. The German automotive giant isn’t merely arriving as a sponsor or engine supplier — it’s entering as a full factory team, taking complete control of Sauber Motorsport and rebranding it as Audi F1 Team. Backed by the vast resources of the Volkswagen Group, Audi’s project represents a major long-term commitment, with ambitions to fight for championships by 2030.

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 will officially come through its acquisition of Sauber Motorsport AG, the Swiss-based outfit currently racing as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. From 2026, the Hinwil operation will become Audi’s official works team, competing under the Audi name with a completely new chassis and in-house power unit.

Sauber’s respected infrastructure — particularly its technical expertise and state-of-the-art wind-tunnel facilities — will form the backbone of Audi’s factory effort. Car design and race operations will remain in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the Audi Power Unit will be developed and manufactured at Audi’s motorsport headquarters in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany.

Audi has already confirmed Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as its drivers for the debut season, both having experienced flashes of success and frustration during the current campaign.

At the top of the pit wall sits Jonathan Wheatley, formerly Red Bull’s highly respected Sporting Director, now appointed as Team Principal. Wheatley’s arrival is regarded as a strategic coup for Audi; his race-weekend expertise and proven ability to manage complex operations under pressure make him one of the most capable figures in the paddock.

Supporting him is Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team boss, who oversees the entire Audi F1 project as Head of Development and Technical Operations across Audi’s global motorsport structure. Binotto is responsible for synchronising the Neuburg and Hinwil facilities, ensuring seamless integration between power unit and chassis development.

Perhaps the boldest aspect of Audi’s F1 debut is its decision to design, build and race its own engine. Developed entirely at Neuburg, the Audi power unit will comply with the 2026 FIA regulations, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid with a 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electric energy. It will run on 100% sustainable fuel, aligning with Formula 1’s carbon-neutral objectives.

However, this also represents the greatest risk to Audi’s debut campaign. The Neuburg division has never previously raced a Formula 1 engine, and the 2026 regulations introduce advanced hybrid systems and energy-recovery dynamics unseen in any previous era. Developing a brand-new chassis and power unit simultaneously, without the benefit of existing race data, will be an immense technical challenge.

Audi’s arrival coincides with Formula 1’s most significant regulatory overhaul in a decade — an ideal reset point for new manufacturers. Even so, expectations remain measured. The team’s 2026 car will almost certainly face early reliability hurdles as the power unit and chassis evolve through live competition. Yet, with a strong leadership group, a realistic multi-year roadmap, and the engineering pedigree of both Audi and Sauber, the project is built on solid foundations.

The Audi F1 journey begins in 2026, and the entire motorsport world will be watching. But they won’t be alone — they’ll likely share the spotlight with Cadillac, the ambitious American newcomer also preparing for its Formula 1 debut.