Audi has fired up its first Components 1 powertrain ever, forward of the model’s debut within the 2026 world championship.
Audi has taken over the Sauber outfit it totally acquired in 2024 and is competing in F1 for the primary time in historical past this season.
Whereas the Sauber automobiles had been powered by Ferrari since 1997 – aside from the staff’s BMW period from 2006 to 2009 – Audi is becoming a member of the sequence with its personal energy unit.
The timing is sensible as F1 has new engine rules from this 12 months onwards, with a better emphasis on electrical energy, with Audi hoping to capitalise on its expertise with hybrid and electrical powertrains in WEC, Components E and rally-raid.
The squad introduced on Wednesday that, for the primary time, it fired up its new engine in its 2026 F1 chassis. This occurred on 19 December on the outfit’s Hinwil base – one in all three factories Audi leads its F1 effort from, alongside its powertrain division in Neuberg, Germany, and its Technical Centre in Bicester, UK.
“A hearth-up is all the time a particular second, however this one marks a brand new starting,” Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 venture, commented. “It’s the tangible results of our collective ambition and the devoted work of our groups in Neuburg and Hinwil.
Audi F1 Group RS26 idea livery
Picture by: Audi Sport
“Seeing every part come collectively for the primary time offers your entire venture unbelievable vitality. We now have constructed a stable basis for what shall be an extended journey, outlined by our relentless drive to enhance.”
Group principal Jonathan Wheatley added: “This profitable fire-up is a vital milestone that validates the standard of the work and collaboration throughout all departments. It energises your entire staff and gives a transparent focus as we put together for the subsequent phases of improvement, together with the second we first deliver the automotive to trace.
“This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we are going to construct on this basis as one united staff.”
Earlier than the Australian Grand Prix, Audi will host its season launch in Berlin on 20 January and partake in pre-season testing at Barcelona from 26-30 January and in Bahrain from 11-13 February and 18-20 February.
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