F1 Racing has been widely recognized as the pinnacle of motorsport on the world stage. However, times are changing, and Formula 1 Racing's governing body set aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, the sport is wanting for fresh blood to lead it into a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Luckily, Audi is well-equipped to take such a leadership position, as it announced its entry into the growing field of F1 competitors in 2026.

Recently announced at a press conference at this year's Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, the Audi Brand's Chairman of the Board of Management, Markus Duesmann, had this to say about entering the F1 competition space.

“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” says Markus Duesmann. “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.”

What Chairman Duesmann alludes to in the above quotation is a marked shift in Formula 1 rules, aiming to increase electrification in competition vehicles and cap costs on power unit production. Of course, the Audi Brand is already making great strides on both fronts with its commercial lineup, especially with new Audi nameplates like the innovative new Audi e-tron®, so translating those innovations and successes to the Formula 1 Racing sphere are the next great challenge for the Audi performance engineering team.

To learn more about the Audi Brand's upcoming debut on the F1 stage, make sure to follow our blog here at Audi Marietta.