F1

German manufacturer Audi will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier.

A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.” Audi say there are already test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing in their Neuburg base. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.” We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Live commentary and updates on Friday practice for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

Bottas also set for a big drop— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) [Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/) [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/) [https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/](https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that Audi's arrival alongside fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche will only make the sport tougher.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Alfa Romeo is to end its Formula 1 partnership with Sauber from the end of next season, the Italian manufacturer announced on Friday.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Audi has suggested that there will be no collaboration on the power unit front with fellow Volkswagen affiliate Porsche.

"And the others have powertrains that work already. And I think we will be able to develop this power train also by 2026." And we love the challenge.

Audi's chairman of the board of management Markus Duesmann noted that “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi's DNA.”

We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” In regards to Duesmann’s comments on the company’s “clear sustainability goals,” F1’s new regulations for 2026 include using fully sustainable fuels and using more electrical power. “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” Domenicali said. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. Duesmann did not specify which partner that Audi will take on. “Formula One is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Belgian GP - Practice One · Watch Practice One live at 1pm on Sky Sports F1, with build-up from 12:30pm · Practice Two follows at 4pm · Formula One season resuming ...

A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following ...

Meanwhile, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will take on new gearbox cases and cassettes, while Verstappen, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will change their gearbox driveline, gearchange and auxiliary components beyond their allocations. Verstappen, Norris, Ocon and Bottas will have new internal combustion engines, turbochargers and MGU-Hs - taking them above and beyond their limit for the season – while Verstappen, Ocon and Leclerc will also be penalised for taking on new MGU-Ks and, in Leclerc’s case, a new energy store. A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following power unit element changes on their cars.

Audi confirms entry as engine manufacturer from 2026; Fellow Volkswagen brand Porsche also expected to join; Audi expected to have link-up with Sauber, who ...

We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course." I'm looking forward to what the future will bring." 'It was sad and annoying'](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12681251/fernando-alonso-denies-involvement-in-oscar-piastri-alpine-conspiracy)

Audi says it will make a final decision on its Formula 1 partner team by the end of the year amid links to a tie-up with Sauber.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Second regulation tweak relates to rigidity of the car floor with results to be seen at Belgian Grand Prix.

In the equation the force is converted into a value of energy and sets the limit of the energy that cannot be exceeded for every 100km. On the track in practice Carlos Sainz was quickest for Ferrari in a rain-interrupted first hour. Red Bull and Ferrari, of course, objected but the FIA has stuck to its guns. Porpoising is a violent, vertical jarring caused by a stall in the aerodynamics; the similar but different issue of bouncing is caused by the low ride heights smashing the car into the ground over uneven track surfaces. The issue that has dominated the season is that of cars “porpoising” and bouncing on the track under the new regulations. The results will be seen this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps but should not detract from what has been a steadfast commitment to put driver safety first.

Audi are coming to Formula 1 from 2026, adding a new chapter to their illustrious motorsport history. F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto delves into the ...

Helpfully for Audi, they aren’t starting from scratch. The increased electrical power and move to develop 100% sustainable fuels were key factors in attracting them to sign on the dotted line. And according to Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Audi will be making a bigger investment in F1 than they have done in any other motorsport series – Audi have 13 overall Le Mans 24 Hours wins – because they are planning to be in F1 for the long term. And while no other manufacturers are believed to be imminently making an entry, it is hoped the new regulations – coupled with Audi’s commitment, and thus belief in the new rules – could lead to more joining in the future. [RE-WATCH: Tune into a very special press conference as Audi announce F1 entry for 2026](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.livestream-tune-in-for-a-very-special-announcement-at-the-belgian-grand-prix.3afSDmOheQ33KiwWj5kjaj.html) There are already test benches for F1 engine, electric motor and battery testing in their German base in Neuburg – where the F1 PU project will run out of – and they are hopeful their personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure will be in place by the end of the year. As it stands, Audi have informed the FIA and Formula 1 that their entry is as a power unit supplier – but they intend to confirm which team they will line up with “by the end of the year”. [READ MORE: ‘It’s perfect timing due to the new rules’ – Audi boss explains why they joined F1](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-perfect-timing-due-to-the-new-rules-audi-boss-explains-why-they-joined.HM13VnGjrfTXfa6DQnbVY.html) But they won their first World Championship with Max Verstappen last year, and while they left the sport at the end of 2021, Red Bull Powertrains are still utilising their technology, which is proving to be title-contending – so that should give Audi hope. The reason for the split announcement, say Audi, is because there is a longer lead time to get a power unit project in place and they are still working out which F1 team they are going to partner with. [READ MORE: Audi to join Formula 1 from 2026](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-audi-to-join-formula-1-from-2026.yr9pFVd5nSQBbZ7EZZDLJ.html) Audi and the wider Volkswagen Group have had their eye on an entry into Formula 1 for several years now but were keen for changes to the rules to make it viable.

A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the ...

Formal confirmation of the penalties by the FIA is expected later on Friday. Verstappen holds an 80-point lead over Leclerc for the driver title, and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez is just five points behind the Ferrari driver in third. A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after being dealt penalties on Friday.

Never miss a moment with F1 TV Pro. Get all the track coverage and paddock gossip, onboard camera angles and expert analysis by signing up for F1 TV Pro's ...

F1 TV Pro Is available at 20% discount for three months to new subscribers in selected countries.* Alternatively, set up multiple screens and create your very own pit wall using F1 TV’s real-time content, complete with the Data Channel – putting you in control and even closer to the sport. Go deeper on all the track coverage and paddock gossip, onboard camera angles and expert analysis by signing-up to F1 TV Pro’s new mid-season offer: a 20% discount for three months to Keep an eye on potential stars of the future, such as Felipe Drugovich, Theo Pourchaire, Logan Sargeant and Arthur Leclerc. Max Verstappen is looking good for his second drivers' title, but anything can happen as he readies for his home races at Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort. Charles Leclerc has suffered some costly weekends in 2022, but he hasn’t given up hope of being champion yet.

Max Verstappen topped the times on Friday for Red Bull ahead of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. Here's how and when to watch qualifying.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

The German brand won't field its own Formula 1 team but it will serve as an engine supplier. The 2026 season is set to introduce an improved hybrid ...

[possibility of Audi joining Formula 1](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39876210/audi-and-porsche-approved-formula-one/) has been rumored for years. The MGU-H, which currently harvests heat energy via exhaust gases in the turbocharger and can deploy electrical energy to reduce turbo lag, will be removed from the F1 power unit in 2026. Audi’s [entry into F1](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-audi-to-join-formula-1-from-2026.yr9pFVd5nSQBbZ7EZZDLJ.html) coincides with the start of these new engine rules, with the German automaker announcing its intent to start supplying engines for the 2026 season. The announcement came with images of a Formula 1 car mocked up with Audi livery. One of the stated goals of F1's revised engine regulations is to attract new power unit suppliers. [approved new engine regulations](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-fia-world-motor-sport-council-approves-power-unit-regulations-for.495Jt6I1pAAsytVVYjz2Z5.html) that will go into effect in 2026, [Audi](https://www.caranddriver.com/audi) officially announced its plans to compete in the premier open-wheel motorsport series.

The FIA will impose changes at Spa, despite objections from teams concerned the decision may have an effect on the competitive order.

In the equation the force is converted into a value of energy and sets the limit of the energy that cannot be exceeded for every 100km. On the track in practice Carlos Sainz was quickest for Ferrari in a rain-interrupted first hour. Red Bull and Ferrari, of course, objected but the FIA has stuck to its guns. Porpoising is a violent, vertical jarring caused by a stall in the aerodynamics; the similar but different issue of bouncing is caused by the low ride heights smashing the car into the ground over uneven track surfaces. The issue that has dominated the season is that of cars “porpoising” and bouncing on the track under the new regulations. The results will be seen this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps but should not detract from what has been a steadfast commitment to put driver safety first.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the arrivals in F1 of Audi and Porsche will only make the sport tougher for all competitors.

It has been, and it's just going to get tougher with these guys coming." "I think when you see who has joined F1 in terms of automotive companies, and the very best brands in their sector outside of automotive, it shows the strength of the sport. So I think that it's brilliant for F1.

The move ties in with a potential acquisition of shares by Audi as early as next year, removing the possibility of Alfa Romeo logos being on a car that is ...

It’s 13 down, nine to go as the Formula 1 teams pause for breath in the summer break. But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Formula 1 chiefs are confident the championship can escape the previous boom and bust manufacturer cycles in the wake of the arrival of Audi and Porsche.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

The move ties in with a potential acquisition of shares by Audi as early as next year, removing the possibility of Alfa Romeo logos being on a car that is ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Live commentary and updates on Saturday practice and qualifying for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

[Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/) [thinks Mercedes is a "long way off"](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-a-long-way-off-at-spa-says-hamilton/10358451/)at the Belgian GP, with he and George Russell finishing sixth and eighth in FP2 yesterday [Audi to enter Formula 1 from 2026](/f1/video/audi-to-enter-formula-1-from-2026/580127/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren. Summary

Sergio Perez led a Red Bull 1-2 in final practice ahead of Formula 1's 2022 Belgian Grand Prix as Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc spun into the wall.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.