Audi plans Formula 1 entry: Transformation and new beginning for the premium manufacturer

Audi With Formula 1 Speed Out of the Crisis

2025-11-13 From Andreas Grimm | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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The premium manufacturer has faced tough years. Sales and financial figures are poor, and there is friction in the boardroom. According to the plans of CEO Gernot Döllner, entry into the expensive Formula 1 is now intended to mark a turning point.

Audi wants to score in the prestigious Formula 1.(Image: Audi) — Audi wants to score in the prestigious Formula 1.
(Image: Audi)

Audi wants to compete for the Formula 1 title starting in 2030. "In the next two years, we will be challengers. 2026 and 2027 are the challenger years," said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner on Wednesday evening in Munich, Germany. "From 2028, we want to be competitive, and from 2030, we aim to compete for the title."

Audi will enter the premier class of motorsport as a works team starting next season. At an event in the Audi Brand Experience Center at Munich Airport, the German automaker gave a glimpse of the future design of the new Formula 1 car with the presentation of the Audi R26 Concept, 115 days before its first Grand Prix appearance in Melbourne, Australia.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner wants to bring emotion to the brand with the Formula 1 commitment. The means to achieve this is the race car “Audi R26 Concept.”

(Image: Audi)

"For Audi, it's not just about participating but also about winning," said Mattia Binotto, Sebastian Vettel's former Ferrari team boss and now project leader at Audi, in front of Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. "Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a process of constant progress."

Entry Amid the Crisis

Audi has taken over the Swiss Sauber racing team and will compete as a works team in Formula 1 starting next season. Within the German manufacturer, the costly entry has been controversial. However, for Audi, the timing seems favorable despite the crisis in the automotive industry, as a new regulation will come into effect next year.

"The entry into Formula 1 has never been better in the past 30 years with this rule change," said Döllner. He emphasized: "Whenever Audi has entered a racing series, Audi has been successful."

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Date: 08.12.2025

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