After months of innuendo, hypothesis and rumor, German automotive large Audi has announced that it’ll be a part of Formula One from the 2026 season. The VW-owned firm says it should construct a brand new hybrid engine for the competitors at its facility in Neuburg. Audi mentioned that technical modifications made by the game’s governing physique, the FIA, to forestall value overruns and enhance sustainability prompted it to enroll. It’s hoped Audi will assist push the game to its bold aim of being local weather impartial by 2030.

Broadly talking, the FIA’s new engine specs require a V6 engine designed to run on a extra sustainable gasoline mix. Paired with that will probably be a 400kW electrical motor with an output of round 544 horsepower, making it virtually as highly effective because the V6 itself. Audi added that its venture will probably be led by Adam Baker, who has beforehand served because the FIA’s Safety Director, and had stints with Cosworth (one other F1 engine maker) and BMW.

Audi mentioned it should announce which workforce it should work with “by the end of this year,” however most F1 followers really feel it’s already a completed deal. The longstanding rumor is that Audi will purchase a majority stake in Swiss motorsport firm Sauber, which at the moment races below the Alfa Romeo livery. As Planet F1 stories, Sauber has already been the topic of takeover talks this yr and may benefit from a giant auto large’s backing.

Given the very fact we’re nonetheless some years away from Audi’s first race, it’s not clear how any of it will affect the storylines on Drive To Survive, which I do know is what most of you might be anxious about. Whatever occurs, I’m positive Christian Horner will discover a option to be face-punchingly smug about it.