Audi F1 2026: its power unit could be far more powerful than expected

The Four Rings’ Formula 1 project promises performance figures that may surprise everyone.

Audi continues fine-tuning its Formula 1 debut set for 2026, and the latest reports suggest that its power unit will be far more competitive than initially believed. While much of the attention has focused on Ferrari engineers joining the German brand, behind closed doors in Neuburg an der Donau, Audi’s team is quietly achieving results that are beginning to stir excitement in the paddock.

An ambitious plan with a 2030 horizon

At the helm of the Audi F1 Project is Mattia Binotto, who has outlined a five-year plan with a clear objective: to win by 2030. In an interview with Autosprint, the former Ferrari team principal explained: “Formula 1 is the most complex sport in the world, and every winning cycle takes between five and seven years of preparation. We aim to do it in five — three to build and two to consolidate.” It’s an ambitious roadmap that highlights how seriously Audi is taking its entry into the top tier of motorsport.

An engineering center with racing pedigree

This project doesn’t start from scratch. Since 2014, the Audi Competence Centre Motorsport, located in Neuburg an der Donau, has been the technological heart of the Four Rings. Legendary racing machines such as the R18 e-tron (WEC), the RS Q e-tron (Dakar), and the RS 5 DTM were all born there. The 3,000-square-meter facility has since been expanded and reinforced with key personnel from Mercedes and Ferrari, ensuring a first-class transfer of expertise for Formula 1’s new hybrid era.

Over 540 hp from the combustion engine alone

According to paddock whispers, Audi has broken through the 400 kW barrier with its internal combustion engine, achieving over 540–550 horsepower, a figure that exceeds early expectations. For comparison, the Mercedes power unit is believed to produce around 420 kW (571 hp). While these numbers are unofficial, they allegedly surfaced after endurance testing carried out in Germany. However, power alone isn’t enough — reliability will be key, with the 2026 season featuring 24 Grands Prix and only four engines allowed per car.

Audi aims high from the start

The first major challenge for Binotto will be to merge the operations of Hinwil (Sauber) and Neuburg, but insiders suggest that Audi’s technical baseline is far stronger than many anticipated. While it will take time to catch up with giants like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, the brand’s methodical engineering approach and German precision could accelerate that journey. Winning won’t come overnight, but the message is clear: Audi isn’t entering Formula 1 to participate it’s entering to compete.