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Audi has reportedly advised the FIA that they intend to confirm their plans in early 2022 for a future F1 entry. The German manufacturer is one of several Volkswagen Group brands that have shown interest in entering F1 by 2026, following the introduction of a budget cap earlier this year.
Following Honda’s exit at the end of the 2021 season, F1 is actively searching for more power unit manufacturers to join Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault in the sport. Meanwhile, Red Bull are taking over Honda engines from the 2022 season and are preparing to manufacture their own power unit. Their endeavor comes as part of new technical regulations, expected to come into force in 2026.
Audi has reportedly indicated that it is satisfied with the FIA’s progress with the new power unit's technical regulations. Markus Duesmann, chairman of Audi’s board, and Oliver Hoffmann, a member of Audi’s Development board, cited their satisfaction in a letter sent to former FIA president Jean Todt and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The new development was originally reported by RaceFans.
Interestingly, in their letter to the FIA, Audi has reportedly congratulated the motorsports authority for their handling of the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in a subtle dig at German rivals Mercedes.
FIA approves new F1 power unit regulations for 2026 simplifying energy recovery and cost reduction
On December 15, the World Motorsport Council approved the final draft of regulations for the 2026 power units. The new regulations retain the current generation of 1.6 liter V6 Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) while simplifying and increasing the capacity of energy recovery systems.
The current generation power units recover energy using the Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic (MGU-K) and Motor Generator Unit - Heat (MGU-H). MGU-K recovers energy from braking and MGU-H recovers energy from excess heat produced by the engine. The new regulations get rid of the MGU-H, which increases the scope of the MGU-K in the power units.
Manufacturers had earlier petitioned the FIA seeking simpler and more cost-effective technical regulations governing engine development for 2026. The current generation F1 engines are often criticized for their lack of real-world relevance and cost. They are, however, the most efficient ICE-based power units ever developed, with over 52% thermal efficiency, as compared to about 20% for the average driver's car.
The new simplified technical regulations save manufacturers the cost of developing the complicated MGU-H, instead directing their focus on the MGU-K. MGU-H might not have found real-world applications yet, however, MGU-K is similar to technology already being used in electric and hybrid powertrains around the world. It marks a small but significant step towards making F1 greener.
