Audi Method 1 chiefs say the model’s expertise in varied classes will assist it grasp F1’s new energy models from 2026.
Audi is taking on the Switzerland-based Sauber crew as F1 strikes into a brand new period; 2026-spec energy models will function 350kW (469hp) electrical energy, up from 120kW presently, for a near-50:50 cut up with the interior combustion engine. Automobiles will even get better twice as a lot vitality from braking.
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Audi has expertise in Method E, the place the producer made its personal powertrains from 2015 to 2021, although it withdrew from the championship earlier than it moved up from the 250kW (335hp) Gen2 automobile – the present Gen3 Evo is as much as 400kW and the upcoming Gen4 will attain 600kW (805hp).
Nonetheless, vitality administration was key in Method E, and this expertise is anticipated to show helpful to Audi – however not essentially as a lot as its experience in different disciplines.
Lucas Di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, Audi e-tron FE07
Photograph by: Andreas Beil
“Possibly Le Mans, much more than Method E, as a result of administration between the combustion engine and the electrical system is extra similar to the brand new regulation,” stated Gernot Doellner, chairman of the boards of Audi and Sauber Motorsport.
“However on the subject of elements, additionally Method E, I might say it is fairly studying area. We needed to see find out how to enhance efficiencies there, and to do the vitality administration.”
Audi raced within the World Endurance Championship till 2016, profitable the Le Mans 24 Hours consecutively from 2012-2014 with its hybrid-powered Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The automobile featured as much as 200kW’s price of electrical energy (268hp).
#2 Audi Sport Staff Joest Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro: Marcel Fässler, Andre Lotterer, Benoit Tréluyer
Photograph by: Eric Gilbert
Extra not too long ago, Audi received the 2024 Dakar Rally with its RS Q e-tron, whose vitality was principally electrical with 286kW (384hp).
“If there’s something on which I have been positively impressed by becoming a member of Audi, [it’s] actually the experience and the talents, competence on the hybrid, as a result of it has been developed via Dakar and Method E,” stated Mattia Binotto, who has been main the Sauber F1 crew – and the Audi F1 mission – since August 2024.
“It is actually a fantastic talent, which is helpful to our Method 1 mission, and little doubt that may deliver hopefully a bonus.”
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