Audi to join Formula 1 with racing car running on synthetic fuel

Germany’s Audi is joining Formula 1 from 2026 as the Volkswagen AG brand bets it can bolster its brand by competing in the popular racing circuit.

Audi will build a dedicated Formula 1 power train at a facility in Neuburg, Germany, the carmaker said Friday in a statement. It will make a decision on which team to partner with by the end of the year.

BREAKING: Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026!#F1 pic.twitter.com/fRnPvmSwU2

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2022

Formula 1 intends to switch to cars running on synthetic fuel from 2026. It is a part of a plan to become carbon neutral by the end of the decade. The change in technology is a unique opportunity to start competing in the franchise that’s been dominated by Mercedes.

“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” chief executive officer Markus Duesmann said in a statement. “With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved.”

Volkswagen’s supervisory board in April approved plans for Audi and the Porsche sports-car brand to potentially join the competition. Outgoing CEO Herbert Diess has said both businesses see Formula 1 as the most important lever to boost brand value. He also pointed to the competition’s plans for expansion in China and the US.