Audi’s first fire-up of its new energy unit in its 2026 chassis was a milestone that gave the workforce “unbelievable vitality,” in keeping with the pinnacle of its Components 1 undertaking Mattia Binotto.
The previous Sauber workforce has been taken over by Audi as a full constructor ranging from this coming season, marking the arrival of a brand-new energy unit provider in F1. Audi’s undertaking has been ongoing for a variety of years however the energy unit and chassis mixture first fired up efficiently in late December.
“A fireplace-up is all the time a particular second, however this one marks a brand new starting,” Binotto mentioned. “It’s the tangible results of our collective ambition and the devoted work of our groups in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing every little thing come collectively for the primary time provides your complete undertaking unbelievable vitality. We now have constructed a stable basis for what can be a protracted journey, outlined by our relentless drive to enhance.”
The primary Audi automobile will hit the observe alongside the remainder of the grid throughout a non-public shakedown in Barcelona on the finish of this month, earlier than pre-season testing formally begins in Bahrain in February.
“This profitable fire-up is a essential milestone that validates the standard of the work and collaboration throughout all departments,” workforce principal Jonathan Wheatley mentioned. “It energizes your complete workforce and offers a transparent focus as we put together for the following phases of improvement, together with the second we first deliver the automobile to trace. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we’ll construct on this basis as one united workforce.”
The broader F1 undertaking has been usually backed by Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, who sees the workforce’s upcoming entry as a focus for the corporate as a complete.
“For Audi, getting into Components 1 is a key a part of our model’s ongoing renewal,” Dollner mentioned. “This milestone is a transparent demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. It’s the results of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that may function a guiding instance for your complete Audi group.
“This undertaking is a catalyst for change, fostering satisfaction, id, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the laborious work of the groups in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now actually involves life, marking the start of an thrilling new chapter in Audi’s motorsport historical past.”
Audi will formally launch its 2026 season – together with full race livery – on Jan. 20 in Berlin, six days earlier than the beginning of the Barcelona shakedown.
