F1 ‘could be interesting for Audi’ – CEO (2nd Update)

(GMM) Audi is edging ever closer to announcing that the Volkswagen-owned German luxury carmaker will enter Formula 1 in 2026.

The FIA announced last week that the engine regulations by then will include 100 percent sustainable fuel, greater emphasis on electrical power, a budget cap, and the scrapping of MGU-H technology.

In addition, the governing body’s World Motor Sport Council declared that engine supplier “newcomers” will be empowered to “join the sport at a competitive level”.

It appears to all be enough to satisfy Audi’s requirements for a F1 foray.

Indeed, Sport1 reports that a letter by top Audi officials Markus Duesmann and Oliver Hoffman to the FIA president and F1 CEO indicates that the carmaker sees the 2026 rules outline as a fair compromise.

“If the plans are approved, Audi will be there,” predicted German correspondent Bianca Garloff.

Audi intends to confirm early next year its plans to enter to Formula 1, the manufacturer has advised the sport and its governing body, the FIA.

Audi board chairman Markus Duesmann and Audi Technical Development board member Oliver Hoffmann indicated the manufacturer is satisfied with the progress the FIA has made with new technical regulations for the 2026 power units.

F1 is seeking a new manufacturer to join Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault following the departure of Honda, whose engines will now be prepared by Red Bull. Two Volkswagen Group brands, Audi and Porsche, have shown interest, and the former has now indicated it is close to making a commitment.

In a letter sent on Tuesday Duesmann and Hoffmann told F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and outgoing FIA president Jean Todt they believe the draft regulations offer a fair compromise for newcomers and existing competitors, as well as meeting the objectives agreed for the new power units.

(GMM) Audi bosses are still yet to decide if the Volkswagen-linked German carmaker will launch a Formula 1 project.

Markus Duesmann, the Audi CEO (shown above), does admit to Der Donaukurier newspaper that he and fellow officials are in “intensive talks about the future realignment of Formula 1”.

Recently, McLaren denied that Audi had made an approach to take over the famous British team.

“A particular focus for us is on the upcoming changes to the engine regulations for 2026,” Duesmann confirmed.

“But a decision about whether or not Audi will enter Formula 1 has not yet been made,” he added. “However, if Formula 1 becomes more sustainable, it could become interesting for Audi.”

In years past, Audi always insisted it didn’t need to add Formula 1 to its existing motor racing program.

“The Audi motorsport program today is based on three pillars – the Dakar rally, LMDh (world endurance sports cars) and customer sport,” said Duesmann.

“But we don’t have to stop there. Motorsport is a good fit for Audi.”

It is expected that the FIA will discuss the details of Formula 1’s new engine regulations for 2026 and beyond in a Paris meeting later this week.