Work on the Power Unit for the participation of Audi at the Formula 1 has been ongoing for over two years. The specially created Audi Formula Racing GmbH is responsible for the development of the F1 hybrid unit and has successfully completed the tuning phase. Together with the Hinwil plant, the Neuburg team will form the future factory team with which Audi will compete in the premier class in 2026. The Audi F1 Power Unit “Made in Germany” is making great progress behind closed doors. AFR CEO Adam Baker provides an overview of the current state.
Fine-tuning the Power Unit
“After only two years, our Power Unit, consisting of a combustion engine, electric motor, battery and control electronics, works dynamically on the test bench. The successful union of the various components into a single unit is the result of hard work and great teamwork. The Audi Power Unit has already covered simulated race distances on the test bench. In 2023 we have accumulated a lot of test time with the individual components and were able to incorporate the experience gained into subsequent construction phases in parallel. Significant goals and objectives have been achieved, which gives a good feeling to the whole team“Baker said.
“Like all other Formula 1 teams and power unit manufacturers, we faced the challenge of organizing ourselves accordingly. It is a question of efficiency and cost compliance. One advantage was that we could start from a blank sheet, so to speak, by setting up our own company, Audi Formula Racing GmbH, for the project. From the beginning, we had a clear picture of structures, systems, processes and the right mentality. The topic of finances has a direct impact on performance. due to cost caps. In Formula 1 there has never been such a direct link between operational efficiency and sporting success. The fact that we can operate at the edge of the cost ceiling with PU development puts us on par with our competitors.“Baker added.
“The proximity to our Audi parent company in Ingolstadt is a great advantage for us in many respects. There are many technical experts in the region, especially for the development of transmission components. The other F1 Power Unit manufacturers are based in the UK, France, Italy and Japan. If you want to hire competitors’ employees, they usually have to move to another country: it’s a challenge, but for us it’s no greater than anyone else’s. People must not only be willing to change employers, but also countries. The fact that we have managed to recruit experienced engineers and technicians from all other power unit manufacturers shows that our project and location are attractive, even for international experts and talents. Now we have a broad mix in the team with employees from 23 countries“, indica Baker.
“We started early with the 2026 concept team in Hinwil in January 2023. This work is now being intensified with the current chassis regulations. Our goal is clear: to fully exploit the advantages and possibilities of a factory team in terms of packaging and Power Unit integration“, conclude Baker.
