Audi Prepares for Formula 1 Debut as Sauber Team Braces for 2026 Regulation Changes

The upcoming twelve months are set to be a pivotal period for the Sauber team, as they gear up to embrace Formula 1’s sweeping new regulations and transition into Audi’s factory team. With Audi spearheading engine development, F1 lead Mattia Binotto cautions that the power unit won’t be “the best” on the grid.

New Regulations for a Greener Formula 1

In 2026, Formula 1 will usher in new regulations aimed at making its cars more agile to invigorate races. These changes will significantly increase the use of electrical energy in a grand prix, helping the series move towards sustainability.

Alongside these engine rule modifications, F1 will also welcome fresh engine manufacturers, with Audi and Ford – through a partnership with Red Bull – joining from 2026, followed by Cadillac in 2029.

The Complexities of Engine Development

Binotto, the head of Audi’s F1 project, acknowledges that developing power units is far more intricate than it appears to spectators. He previously worked at Ferrari during the series’ last major engine overhaul in 2014, when the current-generation V6 hybrid power units were introduced.

Binotto emphasizes that while the new regulations represent uncharted territory, Audi is committed to the challenge. However, he admits that they won’t be at the top in 2026, as their power unit won’t be the best on the grid.

The Impact of Fuel Choices

The new rules require a 50-50 split in power production between the internal combustion unit and electrical components. The MGU-H, which harvests thermal energy from the combustion engine, is being phased out, and all motors will run on 100% sustainable fuels.

These sweeping changes present a challenge for engine manufacturers, and Binotto acknowledges that Audi is no exception. He notes that fuel choices could become a differentiating factor for teams in 2026, with options like e-fuels and biofuels available.

Audi’s Advantage in Sustainable Fuels

Interestingly, Audi may have an edge in this area due to its parent company, the Volkswagen Group, having a history with e-fuels. Through its Porsche brand, the company is heavily investing in sustainable petrol alternatives and has backed a production site in Chile since 2023.

This project could potentially boost Audi’s performance next season, but Binotto admits that he’s heard “rumours” suggesting that one team could once again capitalize on the power unit changes: Mercedes. The German outfit is reportedly already a step ahead, and Binotto warns that the move to new engines could spark another period of dominance for one team.

However, this doesn’t mean the 2026 season will be another Mercedes clean sweep. And we won’t truly know how the new power units stack up until the lights go out at the first race of the 2026 season. One thing’s for sure, however. 2026 will mark a significant turning point in the history of the Sauber team, which last won an F1 race in 2008 when it competed under another German brand: BMW.