German car giant Audi have confirmed that they will participate in Formula One from 2026.
To date, they have only announced that they'll be manufacturing engines from 2026, although the expectation is that they will team up with Sauber upon entry.
BREAKING: Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026!#F1 pic.twitter.com/fRnPvmSwU2
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2022
As reported by BBC Sport, Markus Duesmann, chairman of the Audi board, said on Friday that the German car company had officially registered as a power-unit manufacturer in F1.
"Racing is in the DNA of Audi. If you think about Le Mans, DTM and Formula E, we have always been very active and very successful," Duesmann said.
"We want to continue this success story in F1."
The German added the decision had been made because of new rules that feature an increased electrical component in engines and fully sustainable fuels.
Audi said it would announce the team with which they will be joining forces by the end of the year.
It is expected to take a controlling interest in Swiss-based Sauber, currently racing as Alfa Romeo, and enter as a full manufacturer in the manner of Ferrari and Mercedes.
The announcement has been welcomed by all, with the addition simply enhancing an already formidable field.
Speaking after the announcement, F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: "This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow.
"It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably-fuelled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector.
"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."
Audi have confirmed their entry into Formula One from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier ??pic.twitter.com/ILAtyH0Z5T
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) August 26, 2022
Some of the sports greats - such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen - have welcomed the news and there is a general recognition that moves like this will only enable the sport to progress forward.
