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Audi Marks Significant Progress In Formula 1 Power Unit Development
Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, and CTO Stefan Dreyer recently discussed the progress of Audi's Formula 1 Power Unit. The development has been ongoing for over two years at the Neuburg facility. The team has successfully completed the set-up phase and is now focusing on achieving their ambitious goals for 2026.
The Audi F1 Power Unit, developed in Germany, has made significant strides. Adam Baker noted that after two years of hard work, the unit is running dynamically on the test bench. It consists of a combustion engine, electric motor, battery, and control electronics. The unit has already covered simulated race distances.
Stefan Dreyer highlighted the modernization and expansion of their test facility. They now have 22 state-of-the-art test benches at Neuburg. These tools have enabled a steep learning curve. Testing under simulated racing conditions provides crucial insights for the project.
Dreyer mentioned that they run the Power Unit on various tracks from the current F1 calendar during tests. For instance, Las Vegas offers a perfect environment for fine-tuning energy management components due to its mix of fast and slow corners.
Baker emphasized that establishing a broad base in all areas was crucial for this challenging project. Their experience from previous motorsport projects has been invaluable. They have proven their capability to develop conventional, hybridized, and purely electric drivetrains.
The local proximity to Audi's parent company in Ingolstadt is advantageous for recruiting technical experts. Despite other F1 Power Unit manufacturers being based in different countries, Audi has successfully attracted experienced engineers and technicians from competitors.
Performance Development
Dreyer explained that intensity is key for performance development. Regulations allow three test benches for single-cylinder tests without FIA operating time limits. They use this maximum number intensively to develop combustion processes for internal combustion engines.
Baker added that special milestones have been achieved almost every month since spring 2022. These include infrastructure expansion, testing single-cylinder engines, and running race distances with the complete Power Unit.
Cost Cap Efficiency
A cost cap has been in place since this year for developing the Power Unit. Baker stated that like other teams, they faced challenges setting up accordingly. Cost-cap efficiency and conformity are crucial as finance directly impacts performance due to this cap.
Dreyer noted that fuel development has been ongoing since 2022 with a strong partner experienced in Formula 1. This is vital as new sustainable fuel regulations will be even more competitive from 2026 onwards.
Future Outlook
The future team will operate across two locations: Neuburg an der Donau for developing the Power Unit and Hinwil in Switzerland for car development and race operations. This division ensures optimal performance and expertise integration.
Baker mentioned that they started early with the 2026 concept team in Hinwil back in January 2023. The goal is to fully exploit factory team advantages regarding packaging and integrating the Power Unit.
Audi's entry into Formula 1 marks a significant milestone as it aligns with new FIA regulations promoting sustainable fuels and increasing electric share in hybrid drives by nearly 50%. This move positions Audi at the forefront of motorsport innovation while adhering to environmental sustainability standards.
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