Audi’s F1 engine for 2026 has already completed several full Grand Prix distances in the factory, according to the German car manufacturer. Audi will join the elite class of motorsport in 2016 by adopting the current Stake F1-Sauber team as a factory team, making it the sixth manufacturer after Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Renault, and Red Bull Powertrains.
Audi’s 2026 F1 Engine Development Progressing Smoothly
Adam Baker, CEO of the Audi Formula Racing factory in Neuburg, Germany, reports that the development of the 2026 powertrain is in full swing and everything is going according to plan. “After just two years, our power unit, consisting of a combustion engine, electric motor, battery, and control electronics, is dynamically running on the test bench,” says Baker.
Successful Integration and Testing of Components
Baker continues, “The successful merging of the different components into one unit is the result of hard work and great teamwork. The Audi power unit has already completed simulated race distances on the test bench. We gained a lot of test time with the individual components in 2023 and were able to incorporate the experience gained in parallel into the next construction phases. Important milestones and goals have been achieved, which gives the entire team a good feeling.”
‘Las Vegas is of Interest to Us’
Stefan Dreyer, Audi’s technical director for the F1 engine, said, “We run the power unit on the test bench with different layouts of the current F1 calendar, depending on the purpose of the test. For example, Las Vegas is interesting for our development team in terms of overall energy management. A variety of alternating fast and slow turns and nearly two kilometers of full throttle driving on the Las Vegas Strip provide the perfect development environment for fine-tuning the combustion engine and the ERS components.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
Regarding the upcoming period until 2026, Baker said, “The fact that our entire team can fully focus on the development of the power unit for 2026 is an advantage for Audi. The remaining time until 2026 is all about achieving our development goals in terms of maximum overall vehicle performance. It remains exciting until the first race. And of course, after that as well.”
Audi’s Prestigious F1 Project
Audi has previously announced that Nico Hülkenberg is part of the prestigious F1 project. He will move from Haas to Stake F1 after this season. Who will be Hülkenberg’s teammate is still unclear.
