Accelerating Innovations: Audi's Formula 1 Power Unit Development Charges Ahead
Audi Formula Racing GmbH has been actively developing the Power Unit for Audi's Formula 1 entry for over two years in Neuburg a. d. Donau. This entity has now successfully completed the initial set-up phase. In collaboration with the Hinwil facility, the Neuburg team will become the core of Audi's future factory team, aiming for Formula 1 excellence in 2026. Behind the scenes, the "Made in Germany" Audi F1 Power Unit progresses impressively. Adam Baker, AFR's CEO, and Stefan Dreyer, AFR's CTO, offer insights into the latest developments.
Since spring 2022, the Audi Power Unit's development has been pushing forward at the Neuburg facility. Baker reports that within just two years, the dynamic testing of the Power Unit—which includes a combustion engine, electric motor, battery, and control electronics—has begun. The team's ability to integrate these components seamlessly results from dedicated effort and effective collaboration. Already, the Audi Power Unit has endured simulated race distances on the test bench. In 2023, extensive component testing allowed the team to incorporate newly gained experiences into subsequent development phases rapidly. Achieving these significant milestones provides the team with considerable satisfaction.
Dreyer highlights the ambitious modernisation and expansion of their testing facilities. Now boasting 22 cutting-edge test benches, their state-of-the-art development tools have facilitated a rapid learning curve. Testing under simulated race conditions has been crucial during this project phase. Following successful simulations with the Power Unit, the team will soon test the entire drive system, including both the Power Unit and transmission, while pushing forward with performance development to meet their ambitious goals.
Regarding the tracks, the Audi Power Unit has undergone tests on various circuit layouts that reflect the current F1 calendar, tailored to specific development needs. For example, testing on a simulated Las Vegas track, which includes long full-throttle stretches and a combination of fast and slow corners, optimises overall energy management and fine-tunes the combustion engine alongside the ERS components.
Baker shares that simulating today's Power Unit on iconic tracks such as Spielberg, Singapore, and Las Vegas not only excites the team but also signals their nearing readiness for their first race in 2026.
Dreyer stresses the importance of having a robust foundation across all development sectors early on. Their extensive motorsport experience, including high-voltage technology from Le Mans and Formula E, as well as from the Dakar project, has been invaluable. While the challenges in Formula 1 demand cutting-edge technology and intense competition, the commitment from their partners and suppliers remains strong.
Even with the construction phase in Neuburg complete, the project's intensity continues to escalate. Baker mentions regular milestones since the project's inception, including infrastructure expansions, various test runs, and achieving full race distances with the complete Power Unit. This concentrated focus on developing the Power Unit for 2026 is a strategic advantage for Audi, keeping the team highly motivated and focused on their development goals for optimal vehicle performance until their debut race—and beyond.
Dreyer describes the strategic use of the facility's resources, including maximising the three allowed single-cylinder test benches under the FIA's regulations, to develop combustion processes intensively. Achievements in performance and efficiency targets have been met, alongside fuel development efforts begun in 2022 with an experienced partner, crucial for the 2026 season's new sustainable fuel standards.
Under the FIA's cost cap, day-to-day operations focus on cost efficiency and compliance, which directly influences performance. Starting with a blank slate allowed Audi Formula Racing GmbH to design optimal structures, systems, and processes from the outset, positioning them well against competitors under the cost cap.
The Neuburg site's established motorsport infrastructure, initially created in 2014, has been crucial. The proximity to Audi's headquarters in Ingolstadt has facilitated recruitment, attracting technical experts and international talents, despite the challenges of relocating from other countries. This diverse team now comprises members from 23 nations, blending extensive motorsport knowledge with external F1 expertise, which significantly accelerates their learning curve and enhances team spirit.
Looking ahead, Dreyer outlines the collaborative efforts between Neuburg and Hinwil, focusing on integrating the Power Unit with key components like thermal management and gearboxes. The technical teams are already operating in a unified factory team mode, with ongoing tests on a complete drive system at Neuburg, aiming to maximise performance and expertise.
Baker highlights the ongoing intensive work with the 2026 concept team in Hinwil, which began in January 2023. With current chassis regulations, their goal is clear: to maximise the factory team's advantages through optimal packaging and integration of the Power Unit.
