Audi introduced its entry at a press convention on the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. At the occasion, Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, and Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, answered questions within the firm of Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” says Markus Duesmann. (*1*)
The key to getting concerned is the world’s hottest racing collection is the clear plan to change into extra sustainable and cost-efficient. The new technical guidelines, which can apply from 2026, give attention to higher electrification and superior sustainable gasoline. In addition to the present cap on prices for groups, a value cap for energy unit producers might be launched in 2023. In addition, Formula 1 has set itself the bold purpose of being a carbon-neutral racing collection by 2030.
Actively Shaping Formula 1’s Transformation
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development, says: “In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.”
From 2026, the electrical energy output for the facility items, consisting of an electrical motor, battery, management electronics, and a combustion engine, will enhance sharply in comparison with immediately’s Formula 1 drive programs. The electrical motor will then be practically as highly effective because the combustion engine, which has an output of about 400 kW (544 hp). The extremely environment friendly 1.6-liter turbo engines run on superior sustainable gasoline – additionally a prerequisite for Audi’s entry into the collection.
High Popularity in Key Markets and with Young Target Groups
Globally acknowledged, extremely emotional, and technologically superior – that’s how Formula 1 has met Audi’s precise necessities. The collection holds races in all related markets of the model. As a spectacular platform for probably the most demanding electrified racing vehicles on this planet, it’s of explicit curiosity to automobile producers. Audi is taking over the problem of proving its “Vorsprung durch Technik” on this aggressive atmosphere.
The nice curiosity in Formula 1 is world and the racing collection is among the sporting occasions with the best attain on this planet. In 2021, greater than 1.5 billion TV viewers watched the races. Formula 1 is in style in key markets reminiscent of China and the USA, and the development continues to rise – even amongst younger goal teams. On social media, Formula 1 is now experiencing the best development charges among the many world’s hottest sports activities.
Neuburg Site to Develop the Power Unit
The energy unit might be constructed at Audi Sport’s state-of-the-art Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg an der Donau, not removed from AUDI AG’s firm headquarters in Ingolstadt. “For the development and manufacture of the Formula 1 power train, we will build on the valuable expertise of our motorsport employees, continue to invest in our motorsports center, and also recruit highly specialized professionals,” says Audi Sport Managing Director Julius Seebach, who organized the entry into Formula 1 as a part of Audi’s realignment of motorsport.
In Neuburg there are already take a look at benches for F1 engine testing in addition to for electrical motor and battery testing. Additional needed preparations are at present being made by way of personnel, buildings, and technical infrastructure, with all the pieces important to be in place by the top of the yr. A separate firm was not too long ago based for the facility unit challenge as an entirely owned subsidiary of Audi Sport. Adam Baker will take over the administration of the corporate and thus the Formula 1 challenge as CEO. The educated engineer has held varied senior positions for producers and groups in motorsport. Before becoming a member of Audi in 2021, he labored for the FIA for 3 years.
Audi will announce a choice on which staff they are going to be lining up with in 2026 by the top of this yr.
Formula 1 Decision Governs Motorsport Focus
Audi Sport is pooling its strengths for the Formula 1 challenge and as a consequence is discontinuing its LMDh challenge. The motorsport division had not too long ago suspended the event of the sports activities automobile for endurance racing. Alongside buyer racing, Audi Sport will proceed its innovation challenge with the RS-Q e-tron within the Dakar Rally. Next yr, Audi’s purpose is general victory within the desert.
Whether the World Rally Championship, World Sportscar Championship, US motorsport, DTM, Le Mans, or Formula E – Audi Sport has set requirements in lots of classes with quite a few titles. “Formula 1 is the next major milestone in Audi’s motorsport history,” says Julius Seebach.
Rolf Michl to succeed Julius Seebach
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 marks the conclusion of its motorsport restructure, but additionally the shut of a formative interval at Audi Sport GmbH. Managing Director Julius Seebach will be part of AUDI AG on September 1, 2022, and can tackle a brand new strategic business space in Technical Development, reporting on to the Executive Board.
Hoffmann, who, in his position as an Executive Board member additionally serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Audi Sport GmbH, want to thank Seebach for his efficiency: “Julius stands for strategic foresight, consistent action, and sustainable results in challenging times.” Under his management, Audi Sport GmbH has repeatedly achieved file gross sales and earnings figures. Sales doubled with the RS mannequin offensive and the all-electric RS e-tron GT was efficiently dropped at market.
In 2020, Seebach additionally assumed duty for motorsport at Audi and resolutely made it prepared for the long run. Under his management, probably the most advanced racing automobile in Audi historical past was developed in file time: the RS Q e-tron for the Dakar Rally. Following its profitable debut with 4 stage wins on the Dakar Rally in January, the Audi RS Q e-tron achieved its first general victory in Abu Dhabi in March – the primary triumph of a automobile with an electrical powertrain in a desert rally. Entering Formula 1 is the profitable conclusion of his work.
Starting September 1, Seebach might be succeeded by Rolf Michl, who has been Chief Operating Officer Racing at Audi Sport since February. Together with Dr. Sebastian Grams, he’ll type the Management Board of Audi Sport GmbH. Michl has a level in business administration and is a long-standing member of the Audi Sport household. After holding varied positions in advertising and marketing at AUDI AG and Audi Sport, he took over as Head of Product Marketing RS Models in 2016. After transferring to Abt Sportsline as Director Vehicle Customization, he returned to Audi Sport GmbH as Head of Sales/Marketing in 2019. Michl has performed a key position in shaping the corporate’s portfolio and gross sales successes over time. Hoffmann notes that “Rolf is an authentic leader and brings with him the experience he will need from motorsport and series production.” In addition to his positions in advertising and marketing, Michl was chargeable for devising and implementing the Audi Sport TT Cup in 2014.
Please be aware:
Photos of an F1 present automobile with Audi livery, movies, and additional info on Audi in Formula 1 could be discovered here.
