French media report: Audi to shockingly abandon plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026?

French media report: Audi to shockingly abandon plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026?. Audi to shockingly abandon plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026?.

According to rumors from France, Audi is reportedly considering abandoning the project related to the acquisition of Alfa Romeo, which will return to the Sauber name in 2024 and 2025, before entering Formula 1 in 2026 under the Ingolstadt brand. However, the German automaker has swiftly dispelled such rumors by reaffirming its commitment to the project through an official statement.

Audi Responds to Rumors of a Possible Abandonment of the 2026 Formula 1 Project
“Audi’s entry into F1 in 2026 is based on a decision by the Board of Management of AUDI AG in line with the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG,” a spokesperson for the German team stated to PlanetF1.com.

“Similarly, the Board of Management and Supervisory Board of the Volkswagen Group. The Audi Formula Racing GmbH program for building the organization and developing the 2026 Power Unit at the Neuburg/Germany site remains unchanged.”

Audi not only confirms its intention to participate in the Formula 1 World Championship in 2026 but also makes it clear that all resources will be channeled towards making a successful debut in the new regulatory era for power units. This change will revolutionize both the aesthetics and the heart of the next generation of cars.

The company with the four rings has already officially terminated its LMDh project in the WEC and IMSA, bid farewell to the Formula E in 2021, and exited the DTM in 2020. Moreover, on Saturday, October 7, Audi organized a Family Festival at the Neuberg facility to introduce the Formula 1 project to fans.

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Key figures from the German brand, including CEO Adam Baker, board member and technical director Oliver Hoffmann, and CEOs Stefan Dreyer and Miriam Haubner, reportedly attended this event.