F1 NEWS: AUDI OFFERS UPDATE ON 2026 POWER UNIT - 'SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES ACHIEVED'
Audi's ambitious entry into Formula 1 is shaping up as planned, with the automotive giant hitting significant milestones in the development of its 2026 power unit. The company, which announced its intention to join the motorsport as a power unit supplier in partnership with Sauber in 2022, is making noteworthy progress toward aligning with new F1 regulations that emphasize increased electrical power and the use of 100% sustainable fuels.
The development of the power unit is primarily taking place at Audi's state-of-the-art Neuburg facility, accompanied by additional efforts at Sauber's facility in Hinwil. This strategic setup not only facilitates extensive development work, including the operation of 22 advanced test benches but also underscores the commitment to creating a genuine factory team.
Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing, expresses enthusiasm about the project's progress, noting in a press release:
"After just two years, our power unit, consisting of a combustion engine, electric motor, battery, and control electronics, is running dynamically on the test bench."
Baker's pride in the team's accomplishments is palpable as he explains:
"Successfully marrying the various components into a single unit is the result of hard work and great teamwork."
The team's achievements are not mere milestones but are significant leaps toward meeting their strategic goals.
"The Audi Power Unit has already covered simulated race distances on the test bench," Baker adds. "We gained a lot of testing time with the individual components in 2023 and were able to incorporate the experience gained into the next construction stages in parallel. Significant milestones and goals have been achieved, which gives the entire team a good feeling."
Sustainable fuel development, a crucial element of F1's future, is another area where Audi is making strides. Stefan Dreyer, CTO of Audi Formula Racing, shared insights into this critical aspect, stating:
"Our fuel development has been running since 2022 with a strong partner who has many years of experience in Formula 1. This is a really decisive factor for our project, as the new sustainable fuel for 2026 will have even greater competitive relevance."
The integration of internal expertise from Audi Sport with external F1-specific skills has profoundly impacted the team's capabilities, a mix Dreyer believes is accelerating their development trajectory.
"Not only do we have a broad international base, but we have also strengthened our existing motorsport expertise at Audi Reputation with external F1 expertise. This has helped to accelerate our learning curve considerably. Everyone is giving the project maximum speed and is eagerly looking forward to entering Formula 1. Motivation is extremely high, and we sense a strong team spirit."
Audi's holistic approach to entering Formula 1—leveraging a blend of cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a diverse, highly motivated team—positions them as a formidable contender in the motorsports world. As the team gears up for the 2026 season, the motorsport community eagerly anticipates what could be a game-changing entry into Formula 1.
2024-06-28T12:14:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd