â€œAfter nearly 40 years of being successfully active in motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production,â€ says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG. â€œFollowing quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our first single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018.â€ At the IAA, Audi announced having more than 20 electrified models in its range even before 2025 including Plug-in-hybrids and fully electric cars.

In Formula E, the teams and manufacturers are allowed to develop the powertrain consisting of the motor, transmission, parts of the suspension and the respective software. The combination of the motor and transmission is the centerpiece of the Audi e-tron FE04. The engineers primarily focus on designing the motor-generator unit for ever greater efficiency. To transmit the power to the wheels, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler will be using a high-efficiency transmission with only one gear in the 2017/2018 season.

â€œTogether with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,â€ says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. â€œYou can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because weâ€™re pursuing new avenues in technology.â€

A progressive new livery featuring white, metallic green and black as the basic colors visually distinguishes the Audi e-tron FE04 at first glance clearly from the car in which Lucas di Grassi won the Formula E championship title in July. For the first time in his career, the 33-year-old Brazilian is entering a new season in car number â€œ1â€ of the title defender and on the occasion ofthe world premiere in Neuburg he did not let the opportunity pass by of driving the softly whirring new electric race car onto the stage.

Lucas di Grassiâ€™s teammate is youngster Daniel Abt (24). The driver from the AllgÃ¤u has been signed as an Audi factory driver. Daniel Abt will be driving car number â€œ66â€ with additional red color markings intended to make it easier for spectators to distinguish the cars of the two Audi campaigners from each other.

From day one, Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt have been forming a strong driver duo in Formula E, which in the 33 races held to date has achieved 24 podiums, six victories and four pole positions. Both are tackling their fourth Formula E season.

The new team principal and, as such, the face of Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler in Formula E is Allan McNish. The Scotsman had already accompanied and supported the team at the race tracks throughout the third season. Now the former Formula 1 campaigner, long-standing Audi factory driver and three-time Le Mans winner is also officially leading and representing the squad.

The Audi e-tron FE04 will make its racing debut at the Formula E season opener in Hong Kong on December 2, 2017. However, the new electric race car will already be seen on the race track in the coming days. This Friday and Saturday, Audi is presenting the FE04 with Daniel Abt at the wheel during the E-Mobility Play Days at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Subsequently, from Monday to Thursday, Valencia, Spain, will be the venue of the only official Formula E pre-season tests. Both Audi drivers will be testing there.

RACING

Why Sergio Pérez Escaped Another F1 Penalty in Hungary

Published

1 hour ago

July 30, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Sergio Pérez was found to have breached Formula 1’s starting procedure during the Hungarian Grand Prix, yet the FIA issued only a warning after determining that a standard penalty would have served no practical purpose.

The Sergio Pérez F1 penalty debate resurfaced after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the Cadillac driver committed another starting procedure infringement but avoided a sporting penalty. Instead, FIA stewards issued only a warning after reviewing the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident.

Moreover, it was not the first time Pérez has been investigated for a start procedure violation during the 2026 Formula 1 season.

What Happened Before the Race Started?

Pérez began the Hungarian Grand Prix from the pit lane after Cadillac made suspension changes under parc fermé conditions.

During the formation lap, drivers starting from the pit lane must follow a specific procedure before joining the race. However, Pérez moved ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas before crossing the designated safety car line, an action prohibited by the FIA Sporting Regulations.

As a result, the incident was immediately noted by race stewards.

Sergio Pérez was investigated after a starting procedure infringement before the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Why FIA Chose Not to Penalize Pérez

Although stewards confirmed that Pérez had violated the regulations, they decided that a traditional sporting penalty was unnecessary.

According to their findings, Pérez explained that he was focused on reaching the pit exit traffic lights in time and did not realize he had overtaken Bottas before the required line. Furthermore, because he was already starting the race from the pit lane, imposing the usual pit-lane start penalty would have had no practical effect.

Consequently, FIA officials issued only an official warning instead of adding a time penalty or another sporting sanction.

FIA stewards ruled that a warning was sufficient because Pérez had already started from the pit lane.

Another Incident in a Difficult Season

The Sergio Pérez F1 penalty discussion is nothing new in 2026.

Earlier this season, Pérez received penalties in Monaco after separate starting procedure infringements affected Cadillac’s race. Additionally, he was investigated in Austria after moving on the grid before the start, although no penalty was ultimately applied because he had already retired from the race before the stewards reached their decision.

Therefore, Hungary marks another unusual chapter in a season filled with procedural investigations involving the Mexican driver.

Pérez’s Race Ended Early Anyway

Even after avoiding a sporting penalty, Pérez was unable to finish the Hungarian Grand Prix.

A suspension issue forced the Cadillac driver to retire on lap 48, ending another frustrating weekend for both the team and the experienced Formula 1 veteran.

Pérez’s Hungarian Grand Prix ended with a retirement caused by a suspension problem.

Stewards Applied the Regulations to the Situation

The Sergio Pérez F1 penalty case highlights how FIA stewards evaluate each incident based on its specific circumstances.

Overall, while Pérez did commit another starting procedure infringement, officials concluded that issuing a warning was the most appropriate outcome because a conventional penalty would not have altered the way he started the race.

RACING

George Russell Sends Defiant Message Ahead of F1 2026 Break

Published

2 hours ago

July 30, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

George Russell has reflected on a challenging opening half of the 2026 Formula 1 season, thanking Mercedes and the fans while insisting the team will continue pushing after the summer break.

The George Russell F1 2026 campaign has been filled with both highs and frustrating setbacks. Despite several missed opportunities during the opening half of the Formula 1 season, the Mercedes driver says he remains focused on the positives and is determined to continue fighting when racing resumes after the summer break.

Moreover, Russell believes the championship is still wide open, with plenty of races remaining and opportunities to recover.

A Strong Start Followed by Difficult Moments

Russell opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion by converting pole position into victory at the Australian Grand Prix. He also added another highlight by winning the Sprint race in China.

However, his momentum quickly changed. Mechanical issues during qualifying in Shanghai cost him another pole position, while later races brought a series of setbacks, including strategy problems, penalties, reliability issues and race-ending incidents.

As a result, Russell has often been unable to capitalize on his pace throughout the first half of the season.

George Russell remains optimistic despite a difficult opening half of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Mercedes Driver Refuses to Lose Confidence

Despite the challenges, the George Russell F1 2026 story remains one of determination.

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell shared a message thanking Mercedes for its hard work and expressing gratitude to the fans for their continued support. Furthermore, he emphasized that the team will keep pushing because anything can still happen before the end of the championship.

That positive mindset reflects Mercedes’ determination to improve during the second half of the season.

Russell thanked Mercedes and the fans while promising to keep fighting for stronger results.

Third in the Championship Despite the Setbacks

Although luck has rarely been on his side, Russell enters the summer break in third place in the Drivers’ Championship with 160 points.

He currently sits just nine points behind second place, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the standings after an impressive start to his sophomore Formula 1 season.

Consequently, Russell remains well positioned to challenge for higher championship positions once racing resumes.

Everything Still to Play For

The George Russell F1 2026 campaign is far from over.

Mercedes expects to continue developing the car during the second half of the season, giving Russell additional opportunities to convert his pace into stronger results. Therefore, the British driver believes consistency and perseverance will be essential in the races ahead.

Russell heads into the summer break believing Mercedes can still fight for stronger championship results.

Russell Looks Ahead With Confidence

Although the first half of the season has included its share of disappointment, George Russell F1 2026 remains focused on the bigger picture.

Overall, the Mercedes driver is choosing optimism over frustration, convinced that the combination of hard work, continued development and remaining races can still change the outcome of his championship campaign.

RACING

Audi Delays Next F1 Power Unit Upgrade Until 2027

Published

4 hours ago

July 30, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Audi has confirmed that its Formula 1 power unit will not receive another major upgrade during the remainder of the 2026 season as the manufacturer shifts its focus toward long-term development for 2027.

Audi has confirmed that its Audi F1 power unit will not receive another major hardware upgrade before the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Instead, the manufacturer will focus its resources on a larger development package planned for 2027.

Moreover, the decision reflects Audi’s long-term strategy as it balances performance gains with Formula 1’s financial regulations.

Budget Limits Shape Audi’s Development Strategy

Although Audi introduced an upgraded power unit package at the Spanish Grand Prix, the team has decided not to develop another major hardware update this season.

According to Audi team principal Allan McNish, the decision is driven by the championship’s cost cap. Every Formula 1 team must carefully balance spending between chassis development and power unit improvements while ensuring sufficient resources remain for future projects.

As a result, Audi believes investing in a larger upgrade for 2027 offers a better return than introducing another costly package during the current campaign.

Audi is focusing its Formula 1 power unit development on a major upgrade planned for 2027.

Barcelona Upgrade Delivered Noticeable Progress

The Audi F1 power unit received its first significant update during the Spanish Grand Prix.

Rather than increasing outright performance, the package focused on improving driveability. According to Nico Hülkenberg, the revised power unit delivered smoother power delivery and better throttle response, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of Audi’s package earlier in the season.

Furthermore, Audi’s recent progress has been reflected in its results. The team has scored points in each of the last three races, allowing it to move ahead of Williams in the Constructors’ Championship.

Audi’s Barcelona upgrade improved driveability and helped the team make consistent progress.

Why Driveability Matters in Formula 1

Hülkenberg explained that improving a power unit involves much more than increasing horsepower.

The way torque is delivered, throttle response and gearshift quality all influence how drivers control the car at the limit. Additionally, smoother power delivery makes it easier to accelerate out of corners while maintaining balance and maximizing grip.

Consequently, even subtle improvements can translate into valuable lap time during a Formula 1 race.

Audi Is Already Looking Toward 2027

Audi has made it clear that its next major Audi F1 power unit upgrade will focus on new hardware scheduled for the 2027 season.

Meanwhile, the team will continue developing its chassis throughout the remainder of 2026 while extracting additional performance from its existing engine package through setup optimization and software refinements. Therefore, fans should not expect another significant hardware change before next year.

Audi will continue chassis development while preparing its next major power unit upgrade for 2027.

Long-Term Planning Takes Priority

Audi’s decision highlights the reality of modern Formula 1 development under strict financial regulations.

Overall, by postponing major power unit upgrades until 2027, the manufacturer aims to maximize its long-term competitiveness instead of pursuing short-term gains during the remainder of the 2026 season.