São Paulo, Brazil – Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026 with its own factory team and an unprecedented engine that has been developed in Germany. The new technical regulations pave the way for a significant change in the main competition of global motorsport. With our “TechFocus F1”, we regularly provide basic knowledge and insights into the future of Formula 1, initially focusing on motorization, which has been developed and tested at the Audi facilities in Neuburg, Germany, since mid-2022.
[source: Audi do Brasil, translation by Apple & Audi Club North America]
From 2026, the brand’s propulsion for the F1 will consist of a V6 internal combustion engine (ICE) turbo with an unchanged displacement of 1.6 liter; an energy recovery system (ERS) including energy storage (energy storage – ES) and an electric motor-generator unit (MGU-K), as well as an electronic control unit (CU-K). The MGU-H complex, which converts the heat of exhaust gases into energy and is not relevant in the development of road cars, will no longer be necessary.
Compared to the current F1 regulations, the power of the electric motor almost tripled from the previous 120 kW to 350 kW. This means that the electric component is almost at the same level as the combustion engine, which produces about 400 kW. From 2026, it will operate with less fuel than before. In addition, the use of sustainable fuels will be mandatory – a relevant step towards the declared goal of Formula 1 to become a CO²-neutral racing championship by 2030.
“We expect a significant reduction in fuel consumption with a thruster with a power of approximately 1,000 horsepower,” says Stefan Dreyer, CTO and responsible for the development of the power unit of Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg. “Technical regulations focus on energy as a key factor and significantly increase the proportion of electricity. For the combustion engine, we will no longer talk about a maximum fuel mass flow rate in kilograms per hour, but about a maximum fuel energy flow rate in megajoules per hour. This value will be reduced by about a quarter in 2026 and will be 3,000 MJ/h. The electric side absorbs this properly, because energy recovery through recovery increases significantly thanks to the more powerful MGU-K,” continues Dreyer.
The combustion engine, which has been adapted in the crankcase area due to additional specifications and restrictions, will continue to play an important role. Even if the main state variables, such as feed pressure and compression ratio are reduced, the combustion processes relevant to performance remain demanding. New sustainable fuels, which can be of synthetic or biological origin, will bring additional complexity to development from 2026.
All manufacturers of electric motors will enter unknown territory and fuels may become a competitive differential. Audi has been developing its power unit since 2022 with a strong partner who has many years of experience in Formula 1.
There is also a great potential for development in the high-voltage battery and the MGU-K, including the inverter (CU-K), which are key elements for the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy during braking. “There are practically no restrictions on technical regulations in this area,” says Stefan Dreyer. “For example, cell chemistry, cell weight and cell geometry of the battery are free. There is maximum competition. This is basically good for us, because we have a lot of experience in this area. In projects such as Le Mans, Formula E and Dakar, we have already worked intensively on hybrid engines and accumulated experience in the development of HV, MGU-K batteries, inverters and software. However, as newcomers, we also have a lot to learn in this area.” In addition to the combustion engine, the 22 state-of-the-art test benches at the Neuburg facilities are mainly intended for testing the various high-voltage components and the complete power unit.
For example, the high-voltage battery must be able to withstand ultra-fast charge and discharge cycles, for which it has been designed for an extremely high power density. Audi technicians can acquire valuable knowledge in new materials, technologies and working methods in this area. Especially with regard to weight, which is always a relevant factor for performance in Formula 1. This also applies to the energy storage system, which will weigh only 35 kilograms from 2026, including the peripherals and inverter of the MGU-K.
Achieving this low battery weight is a great challenge for all power unit manufacturers: the new Formula 1 cars will be lighter than those of the current generation, although the engines are gaining weight. Expressed in numbers, this means a reduction of vehicles in terms of wheelbase (20 cm shorter) and width (10 cm less), which is defined by the main data of the new and recently published chassis regulations. However, the development of aerodynamics for 2026 may not start before January 1º, 2025.
In addition to technical and sports regulations, financial rules also play an important role in the development of the propellant. In addition to the concept of sustainable driving, the so-called “cost limit” was another important factor for Audi to enter Formula 1. The cost limit has been in force for teams since 2021 and, since 2023, it also applies to manufacturers who develop a new engine for 2026 – including Audi.
“This has drastically changed the way we work,” says Stefan Dreyer. “For each development, each test, each simulation and each component, you must think very carefully about what result you want to achieve. The number and specifications of the most important test benches are as limited in sports regulations as the hours of the test benches. You must be sure in advance that you are investing in to get the best result.”
Stefan Dreyer does not share the concern that pilots will have to reduce a gear on the straights from 2026 due to the energy limited around in the regulations. “In our tests, our power unit has already traveled simulated running distances. We used current F1 clue profiles and the data were positive. In addition, all stakeholders – F1, FIA and manufacturers – are interested in ensuring that fans can expect exciting races. And that’s why we give everything of ourselves every day in the development of the thruster.” Audi from Brazil
Audi celebrates 30 years in Brazil in 2024, a trajectory full of challenges, overcoming and achievements. The first appearance in the country took place in 1992, at the São Paulo Motor Show, with the Audi 100 sedan. The following year, the eternal idol Ayrton Senna became the official representative of the brand on national soil, with Senna Import. In 1994, the automaker’s vehicles began to be officially sold here and soon won the streets of the country, with unprecedented technologies and unprecedented driving dynamics.
Audi do Brasil is also one of the pioneers to encourage electromobility and has already invested almost R$ 90 million in the infrastructure of electric chargers throughout the country, in addition to offering charging infrastructure in more than 40 dealerships in the national territory. Currently, Audi has consolidated itself as one of the most desired brands in Brazil, being present with its administrative headquarters in São Paulo (SP), logistics terminal in Vinhedo (SP) and the vehicle factory in São José dos Pinhais, in the metropolitan region of Curitiba (PR), where the Audi Q3 and Audi Q3 Sportback models are produced.
