Audi has taken another confident step towards its 2026 Formula 1 debut by offering a rare peek inside the Neuburg facility where its F1 power unit is being developed. What was once a hub for its diverse range of motorsport programs has since been transformed into a specialized base for Audi's first-ever Grand Prix program.
Along with the tour, the company even gave a sneak peek at what its future F1 car might look like, showing off the identity and design language that will carry the four rings onto the grid.
The Facility That Will Power Audi's F1 Entry
Neuburg an der Donau has long been home to numerous Audi motorsport activities, but it has been extensively expanded to become a dedicated F1 development centre. The new building is approximately 3,000 square meters and accommodates areas of engine assembly, technical offices, and a complex network of highly sophisticated test benches.
These benches enable engineers to carry out long-distance simulations, energy recovery testing, and various race scenarios without having to leave the building. Not least, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability: the entire facility runs on carbon-neutral energy.
What Audi Is Building Behind Closed Doors
The Neuburg site is responsible for the full hybrid power unit that goes into the 2026 race car, including combustion engine, motor generator unit, battery pack, and all the control systems that tie it all together.
The following is a quick breakdown of what the team is developing:
- A new-generation hybrid F1 power unit.
- A battery pack designed for high-intensity energy deployment.
- A powerful electric motor accounts for a large share of the total output.
- Control electronics that manage energy flow during braking, acceleration, and corner exits.
The setup aligns with Formula 1's 2026 regulations, which rely far more on electric power and sustainable fuels.
The Future Audi F1 Car Takes Shape
As part of the facility reveal, Audi also previewed what its Formula 1 car might look like. A teaser rather than a full unveil, it showed key elements: the aerodynamic profile, the colour palette, the general design direction expected on the 2026 challenger.
The car appears to carry forward Audi's sharp, technical design language, with clean surfaces and a modern motorsport aesthetic.
Global Structure Supporting the Programme
Audi's Formula 1 activities are spread across three countries to draw upon specific areas of expertise.
Where Each Part Is Being Developed
|
Location |
Role in the F1 Project |
|
Neuburg, Germany |
Full power unit development and testing |
|
Hinwil, Switzerland |
Chassis development through partnership with Sauber (The F1 team Audi bought) |
|
Bicester, United Kingdom |
Technology office and access to UK motorsport engineering talent |
This three-part structure brings engine development, chassis creation, and advanced engineering resources under one umbrella.
Why this facility is important for Audi's F1 strategy
Neuburg gives Audi complete control. Rather than depend on outside suppliers or legacy facilities, it has built its F1 base in large part from scratch, with every engineering decision flowing in a single direction.
Why this matters:
- The team can fine tune the hybrid system as a single package.
- Test benches allow thousands of virtual race miles before the engine even hits a car.
- Engineers in different departments work together, which significantly shortens the development time.
All of this feeds into a simple goal. When Audi arrives on the grid in 2026, it wants to do more than participate. It wants to be competitive.
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FAQs
What did Audi unveil, exactly?
A behind-the-scenes look at the Neuburg F1 facility and a preview of the design direction for its 2026 F1 race car.
Is the engine already running?
Major development milestones have been completed by Audi, and testing of components continues on specialised benches.
With whom will Audi race?
Audi will partner with Sauber, responsible for chassis development, as well as racing operations.
How big is the F1 development centre?
The expanded section adds around 3,000 square metres of space to F1 activities.
Will Audi's Formula 1 car be a hybrid?
Yes. From 2026, all power units will need to adopt a more balanced mix of combustion and electric drive; Audi takes this to heart.
