For the past few years, F1 has had its core group of engine manufacturers. Ferrari has been one of the oldest teams competing in F1 and supplying engines. Mercedes have been in and around the sport before becoming a top constructor as a works team. Now, even Red Bull is looking to enter this table with its own engine for the 2026 new regulations. Though Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feels that the Silver Arrows German counterpart Audi can be a game-changer in this new era.
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As per Motorsport-Magazine, Wolff commented on how he does not underestimate the Volkswagen group. Toto stated, “I would never underestimate the VW Group, whether Audi or Porsche if they started a project like this [2026 F1 engine].” [translated via Google]
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“They have the financial strength, they have the know-how and they have the racing expertise to come up with a great project. I have them absolutely on my radar. They can definitely be one of the teams that succeed in 2026.” The Mercedes team principal is bracing about how Audi can be a potential title contender for the Silver Arrows from 2026 and beyond.
The German manufacturer has already got engine development underground in its Motorsport Competence Center in Neuberg, Germany. Though many suggest that Audi might have started a little late for a competitive F1 engine.
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 26, 2022 CEO of Formula One Group, Stefano Domenicali, FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Markus Duesmann and Audi Chief Development Officer, Oliver Hoffmann poses for a photograph with the new Audi F1 car as German manufacturer Audi announce they will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
But, as per Toto Wolff’s comments about their financial strength and other motorsport expertise, it might be premature to judge how Audi fairs in 2026. They have done quite well in Formula E and Le Mans and thus have the capability to crack the success code in F1
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Whether Audi can compete efficiently as a team with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull is a question for later. Currently, they will hope to maximize all their sources to show their engine development prowess as per the 2026 new engine requirements.
Can Audi tackle the challenges of F1 Engines to beat Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull?
Stefan Dreyer of Audi Sport spoke to Motorsport Magazin about Audi’s plans. He cited certain challenges they might face from the 2026 F1 engine rules. Dreyer is the Technical Director of the power unit project for Audi.
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 28, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Primarily, Audi got what it wanted with the removal of the MGU-H component for 2026. Dreyer explained how it is a complex component and does not have application in production cars. Nevertheless, Dreyer knows how little time they have got to develop a good F1 engine. Time is literally money for Audi right now, if they want to compete well.
The second challenge Dreyer believes is about the team personnel on board. Currently, the team has around 100 employees. Although as per Audi’s competitors’ standards, they need more personnel as the engine development moves ahead.
The German brand has already started recruitment for the F1 engine program. Dreyer mentioned how they are targeting a strength of 300 to 400. Eventually, Audi may end up poaching personnel from Mercedes and other manufacturers.
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Audi’s now official #F1 engine project already has 100 staff working on it, a number that’s set to rise to around 300 once its recruitment process is over.
But how will the program operate, and what’s the pedigree of the person overseeing the project?https://t.co/qE8pEi5OMR
— The Race (@wearetherace) August 26, 2022
Lastly, Dreyer has clarified how they are looking at long-term growth in F1 rather than winning right away. Audi knows how they need to build a good durable engine without any issues. Then, they can look at beating Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Red Bull Boss speaks up on Audi, Porsche 2026 Partnership
Eventually, Mercedes will be varied about what Audi turns up to within 2026. It ain’t going to be easy for the Silver Arrows too if the Audi package is as good as theirs. What do you think? Can Audi overcome these challenges to become a top F1 team?
