Audi has announced that it has agreed a technical partnership with bp which will see the brand develop the sustainable fuel the team will run in Formula 1 from 2026.
Audi will initiate a takeover of the current Sauber squad and venture into F1 for the first time as a works entrant when brand-new technical regulations are introduced.
The sport’s revamp will see changes to the engines with a planned 50/50 power split across the 1.6-litre turbo V6 internal combustion engine and electric component.
Meanwhile, 100% sustainable fuels will also be utilised and Audi has revealed that an exclusive deal has been signed with bp and with its lubricants business Castrol.
The relevant parties have been working together since the end of 2022 and the renewed collaboration will see bp/Castrol become the side’s official fuel supplier in F1.
Furthermore, bp will also provide the marque with bespoke Castrol lubricants and greases, which will comprise its most advanced engine oil, for the V6 turbo engines.
“Audi and bp have always worked together successfully in motorsport,” Audi F1 CEO Andreas Seidl said.
“We are delighted that we can take this special partnership to the next level in Formula 1.
“Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and bp and Castrol also aspire to deliver the best technologies in the field of fuels and lubricants. This is a perfect match.
“It is a strong signal for Audi’s future F1 factory team that we have been able to establish this partnership at such an early stage.
“We sense the appeal of the Audi F1 Project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1.”
In addition, Audi and bp have secured a long-term sponsorship deal which sees the British oil and gas company become the team’s first official partner in the series.
Adam Baker, CEO Audi Formula Racing GmbH, added: “This partnership is of great importance to us.
“There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026.
“In view of the high performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with bp as our partner.
“The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimized by developing the engine in combination with the fuel properties.
“That’s why at Audi Formula Racing, where we are well advanced with Audi’s F1 power unit development, we use all three single-cylinder test benches allowed by the FIA regulations intensively for fuel development. It is impressive how many different fuel variants we have developed to date as we prepare for our 2026 race season.
“I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with bp and Castrol.”
