Photo credits: David Coath
At a time when the Chinese Grand Prix could not take place for a fourth consecutive year since the pandemic, there was some joy for F1 fans in Shanghai. Audi chose the 20th Shanghai international Automobile Industry Exhibition as the venue to present updates on its Formula 1 project. A process which has ‘really taken off in recent months’ according to Audi personnel. Many thousands of patrons had an opportunity to get up close to the striking Audi livery – including Pit Debrief.
Audi will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2026 and will do so with its own factory team and power unit. The power unit will be developed in Germany – hence Audi’s recently released motto for its project of “F1 Power made in Germany”.
Speaking during one of the two media days of the 20thShanghai international Automobile Industry Exhibition, Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG provided the latest update.
“Motorsport is an integral part of our DNA. We are convinced that our Formula 1 commitment will strengthen Audi’s sporting focus. The racing series is continuously increasing its global reach, especially among young target groups and in our most important sales market: China.”
As for how the actual 2026 F1 challenger is taking shape, further answers were found in Audi’s press release last week. This confirmed that Audi’s first full hybrid drivetrain unit, comprising a combustion engine, electric motor, battery and electronic control unit, is on schedule to be put to the testbefore the end of the year. It was also announced that the dynamic development simulator in Neuburg will be brought up to Formula 1 standards and will further advance the development of the Audi power unit.
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG also provided further news to media in attendance in Shanghai.
“The Audi Formula 1 project has really taken off in recent months. In the ongoing concept phase of the power unit, the foundation of our drivetrain for 2026 is being laid today. We attach great importance to detail work, for example on materials or manufacturing technologies, and we also focus on topics such as the energy management of the hybrid drivetrain. After all, efficiency is a key success factor for Formula 1 and the mobility of the future, these approaches will advance both worlds,” stated Hoffmann.
The 20th Shanghai international Automobile Industry Exhibition also allowed many thousands of patrons the chance to get up close to the bold Audi Launch Livery which was first unveiled to the world of motorsport back in August last year.
F1 fans in China had already been able to experience the Audi F1 showcar livery in the virtual world as EA Sports and Codemasters had previously digitally recreated the colour scheme and integrated it into F1 22 as part of a special ‘Podium Pass Series 4 VIP tier’. However, nothing comes close to seeing an F1 car in real life, so it was little surprise to see the Audi stand surrounded by attendees taking souvenir selfies and up close photos. With a rotating schedule of Chinese presenters on the stand explaining the Audi project in Mandarin – the audience listened attentively showing great interest in what is to come.
With a hashtag of #futureisanattitude on the side of the monocoque for all to see, if the response of the fans in attendance is anything to go by – then Audi’s future in China will continue to be very strong.
The 20th Shanghai international Automobile Industry Exhibition was a sold out event with no tickets available to anyone hoping to turn up on the day. This event also reinforced the interest there is for motorsport in China and one can imagine that F1 is eager to return to the world’s second largest economy sooner than later because F1 in China has also – really taken off!
