audi Leverages le Mans,Formula E,and Dakar Expertise for 2026 F1 Entry
Hinwil,Switzerland – november 19,2025 – Audi anticipates its diverse motorsport portfolio,encompassing successes in the 24 hours of Le Mans,Formula E,and the Dakar Rally,will provide a significant advantage as it prepares for its 2026 Formula 1 entry. The German manufacturer, unveiling its R26 concept car, believes the accumulated knowledge and skillset from these disciplines will be crucial in its ambition to challenge for the F1 championship by 2030.
Audi’s forthcoming power unit program isn’t starting from a blank slate.Years of progress in electric powertrain technology through Formula E, coupled with the endurance expertise gained from multiple Le Mans victories and the demanding off-road conditions of the Dakar Rally, offer a unique foundation for tackling the complexities of F1’s next-generation regulations. This holistic approach, according to audi, represents a “great skill…useful to our Formula 1 project, and there’s no doubt whatsoever that will bring hopefully an advantage.”
The 2026 regulations introduce a greater emphasis on sustainable fuels and hybrid technology, areas where Audi has already invested heavily. Formula E has provided invaluable experience in energy management, battery technology, and electric motor development – all directly transferable to the hybrid power units mandated by the new F1 rules. Moreover, Audi’s Le Mans program honed its capabilities in thermal management, lightweight materials, and aerodynamic efficiency, while the Dakar Rally has instilled a robust engineering culture focused on reliability and durability under extreme conditions.
Audi’s commitment to F1 is part of a broader motorsport strategy. The company aims to compete in the premier racing series while continuing its involvement in other championships,leveraging synergies between its various programs. The R26 concept car showcased on November 16th, 2025, provides a first glimpse of Audi’s vision for its F1 future, with the manufacturer targeting a championship challenge within the next seven years.
