GERMANY: The Audi F1 team has stated that they are not actively seeking a customer team as their entry as a power unit supplier draws closer. Audi will debut in Formula 1 in 2026, not only as a team but also as a power unit supplier.
The German brand is one of six suppliers registered for the 2026 season under new regulations and has begun building its factory at its site in Neuburg, Germany. As the 2026 season is still almost three years away, an increasing number of teams have started scoping out potential suppliers.
McLaren has been the most visible, with Zak Brown travelling to Red Bull to discuss a potential partnership. However, the German automotive company is focused solely on their working partnership with Sauber and cannot rule out supplying a customer team if required by regulations.
Audi Formula Racing GmbH CEO Adam Baker told the media that the company isn’t ruling out supplying engines to a customer team as they might be required to do so by the regulations.
With six companies registering as power unit suppliers for 2026, the chances of Audi having to supply engines are small.
Since Audi is not actively seeking a customer, they are focusing on their working partnership with Sauber.
The German automotive company has been working hard since announcing their arrival in F1 before the Belgian Grand Prix last August to ensure they are ready for their 2026 start date.
Baker explained that Audi’s ramp-up activities are still ongoing. And simultaneously, the company is developing the power unit and working on the 2026 car concept with Sauber.
He adds that the company has been running the single-cylinder engine since late last year and that the first full-size engine will run for the first time later in 2023.
The company’s focus on their working partnership with Sauber shows their dedication to entering the sport as a fully-fledged team rather than just a supplier.
The sole focus on development is a positive sign for their fans and the sport, as it indicates that Audi is committed to making an impact in Formula 1.
When Audi joins Formula 1 in 2026, fans will be excited to see how good they are at engineering and how they change the way motorsports are done.
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