Audi successfully fires up its first F1 engine
The Audi factory team, established on the basis of the Sauber team, has announced the successful start of the engine installed in its 2026 chassis, describing it as a “turning point.”
In fact, the launch took place in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the team’s base is located, on December 19, but the report has only now been released. The report described the event as “symbolizing the transition of the project from the design phase to dynamic reality.”
Behind this success is the work of hundreds of engineers and designers over many years, operating at the engine division in Neuburg, Germany, the team base in Hinwil, and the new Audi Sport Technical Center in Bicester, United Kingdom.
Audi views this as a noteworthy accomplishment, and both the company and the team’s top management have provided commentary on the event.
Gernot Dollner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport AG: “For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal. This milestone is a clear demonstration of our “Vorsprung durch Technik” ambition.
It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm.
With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history”.
Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project: “A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil.
Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve”.
Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team: “This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments.
It energises the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we will build on this foundation as one united team”.
The team is diligently preparing for its debut season. The next major milestone will be the presentation in Berlin on January 20, where the team promises to reveal the full livery of the new car. This will take place before the first tests in Barcelona, scheduled for the end of January.