Method 1 has been the premier motorsport on this planet since its formation in 1950, and a number of the most notable producers resembling Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren have written their names within the historical past books. Nevertheless, one well-known marque that hasn’t been seen on the tracks in F1’s 73-year historical past is Audi. That is set to alter, nevertheless, because the German automotive large introduced in 2022 that will probably be becoming a member of the game in 2026 in collaboration with the Sauber group.

This raises quite a few questions for a lot of. Why has it not been included till now? What’s modified for the corporate and the way will it’s totally different to different groups?

Why has it taken so lengthy?

One of many primary the explanation why Audi took its time in coming to the world of F1 was as a result of it was invested elsewhere. Audi has been a part of the Le Mans Collection, particularly Le Mans Mission 1 (LMP1), since 2008. Method 1 has guidelines and rules that competing groups should adhere to, whereas LMP1 permits for a extra open strategy to engineering the automobiles. Audi deemed this as a extra open strategy to racing and invested in that.

One other huge motive for Audi to haven’t joined the game is as a result of fast evolution of expertise inside F1. Becoming a member of and being a brand new crew within the late seasons could be a appreciable drawback and may imply having an enormous mountain to climb whereas others soar forward.

The corporate additionally declared that it’ll not be creating a wholly new crew, and as an alternative will likely be taking a stake in an current one. That is the place Sauber is available in; it has  been a longtime crew inside the sport since 1993 and at present races underneath the Alfa Romeo banner. Whereas Sauber makes use of Ferrari engines in the meanwhile, it’s going to turn out to be the Audi manufacturing facility crew utilizing the German producer’s engines from 2026.

What modified?

A big change that has assisted Audi’s determination to hitch the motorsport is that the 2026 season will see an elevated emphasis on sustainability and a transfer to extra ecologically pleasant racing. This can embody the goal to burn no new fossil fuels and transfer to having 300% extra electrical energy in every automobile.

Audi beforehand communicated with F1 about its sustainable processes like shifting focus to used vehicles like used Audi A1s, expressing  settlement with the transfer to including a value cap for manufacturing energy items for the automobiles. That is along with its constructive response to F1’s Web Zero Carbon by 2030 plan.

The producer’s enthusiasm for sustainability comes in keeping with its personal aspirations for a greener future. This consists of persevering with to deliver down its CO2 emissions and “cut back environmental influence throughout the complete life cycle in contrast with the predecessor mannequin”, on high of additionally providing servicing for its many electrical and hybrid automobiles in the marketplace.

What might this imply for different producers?

Many producers find yourself lacking out on becoming a member of the motorsport as a result of variety of groups being restricted or not having the funds to spend on involving their model with F1. Audi’s entry into the game might have a huge effect on producers making extra of an effort to hitch and see the identical degree of publicity.

Equally, many automobile producers are transferring in the direction of extra sustainable fashions of manufacturing. The information that F1 is trying to be extra aware of its emissions might additional encourage extra involvement from these established manufacturers, even some that we might not assume could be concerned in excessive octane motorsports. For instance, esteemed 4×4 producer Land Rover has a sustainability plan that features bigger electrical automobiles by 2024, and its involvement with F1 would make sure to make headlines and shake up the game.

The opinions expressed listed below are these of the writer and don’t essentially mirror the positions of Automotive World Ltd.

Andy Davies is Audi Model Director at Jardine Motors

The Automotive World Remark column is open to automotive business determination makers and influencers. If you need to contribute a Remark article, please contact editorial@automotiveworld.com