Audi’s Decision To Enter F1 Will Reportedly Be Announced In Early 2022
Reports state that Audi has already sent a letter to the FIA regarding its participation
by Isaac Atienza, on LISTEN 02:29It seems that there’s going to be a new kid on the Formula 1 block as Audi is reportedly announcing in early 2022 its decision to join the motorsport. They will join Mercedes-AMG as the two German brands set to compete for dominance at the most elite form of open-wheel racing.
This bit of news was first reported by Autocar, in which the letter by Markus Duesmann (Audi CEO) and Oliver Hoffmann (Audi’s Head of Technical Development) wrote a letter addressed to outgoing FIA president Jean Todt, which states the following:
“Thanks to your efforts we are now close to the finish line. Recently, we saw another milestone being reached - the first draft of the technical, sporting and financial regulations… We believe that it contains satisfying solutions for all the objectives.”
The letter also adds that any decision to enter Formula 1 must still be approved by Volkswagen Group’s supervisory board. The letter however adds:
“We look forward to working with you and your team, to complete this important process and to confirm our Formula 1 entry early next year.”
News surrounding the Volkswagen Group’s participation in Formula 1 isn’t new. Earlier this year, Motorsport reported that Mercedes-AMG is willing to drop the Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H)—a component that stores and recovers energy to and from the turbochargers of the current engines—from the next-generation Formula 1 powertrain to aid the Volkswagen Group’s entry.
The next-generation powertrains are set to be introduced in 2026, and the new regulations will also make Formula 1 more environmentally friendly through the adaptation of more sustainable energy sources such as synthetic fuels. In addition, the new rules to be introduced in 2026 will also reduce the high R&D costs that are needed to develop a Formula 1 racecar.
Earlier this year, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler officially announced its exit in Formula E. With its reported participation in Formula 1 in 2026, Audi will once again have a motorsport series where they can use as an opportunity to advance its powertrain development.
This latest development also comes at a time when the 2021 season of the Formula 1 will see Honda exiting the sport. And what a graceful (albeit controversial) exit it became as Max Verstappen, who was driving the Red Bull Racing Honda RB16B, recently became this year’s World Driver’s Champion.
