Formula 1 · Est. 1993 · Home Base: Audi F1 Factory
Updated March 16, 2026
The full Audi takeover of the former Sauber entry is complete, and the four rings are officially on the grid as a works constructor for the first time. The Ingolstadt manufacturer brings massive financial resources and engineering pedigree from Le Mans and Formula E, but translating that into F1 competitiveness is a different challenge entirely. Expectations are tempered for year one, but the long-term ambition is unmistakable.
Nico Hulkenberg made the bold bet to leave a competitive Haas seat to become Audi's lead driver, banking on the long-term upside of a factory program. The German veteran's experience and technical feedback will be invaluable as the team develops its maiden power unit, but he may need to endure a difficult first season before the investment pays dividends.
The new 2026 power unit regulations were a major reason Audi committed to F1 in the first place -- a clean-sheet opportunity where no incumbent had a head start. But developing a competitive hybrid power unit from scratch is brutally difficult, and reliability concerns loom large. The early races will reveal whether Audi's PU can at least run with the established engine manufacturers.
F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto joins alongside Hulkenberg, giving Audi an exciting young talent to build around for the future. The Brazilian showed remarkable maturity and racecraft during his junior career, but stepping into a brand-new factory operation that is still finding its feet will test his patience. Bortoleto could be the long-term cornerstone of Audi's F1 project if he can weather the growing pains.