Planning to be included in the top category of motorsports in 2026, Audi’s new step in the Formula 1 project is a simulator pilot agreement.
Audi continues its work non-stop for the Formula 1 organization in which it will join in 2026. The brand signed a simulator pilot agreement during the development of the powertrain of the vehicle that will compete in the organization.
Stating that simulation plays an important role in the Formula 1 project, as in the development of mass production models, Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Directors of AUDI AG Technical Development, said: “Our simulator is an important tool for developing the power transmission system. Apart from advanced technology, a development pilot who brings versatile experience to the project, especially in terms of energy management in racing conditions, is required.” he said.
Neel Jani, a former test and reserve pilot at Red Bull Racing, with whom Audi has signed an agreement as a simulator pilot, has experience in different areas of motor sports. Spending long hours in the Formula 1 simulator, Jani gathered significant experience in a hybrid vehicle in endurance racing. Also, as a member of the Porsche factory team, he won the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the famous 24-hour race at Le Mans in 2016. Expressing his satisfaction with being involved in the project, the experienced Swiss pilot said: “I am happy to accompany Audi on the road to Formula 1. It is both an honor and a great responsibility for me to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage. I am sure that I can establish good connections between theory and practice with the experience I have gained from Formula 1 and LMP projects.” he said.
Tests carried out on the single-cylinder engine since the end of 2022 provide important results for the development of the powertrain. The project, whose concept phase is still ongoing, lays the performance foundations of the power transmission system for 2026, when new regulations increase the transition to electric. The electric motor (MGU-K) will then provide almost the same power as the internal combustion engine. The highly efficient 1.6-litre turbo engines run on sustainable synthetic fuel.
Stating that they are currently focusing on basic conceptual questions regarding performance, Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, said: “However, when evaluating different technical solutions, we do not rely only on digital methods. Technical knowledge, experience and practical development are indispensable elements for drawing the right conclusions from simulation. With this combination, we can evaluate various operating strategies at an early stage and pave the way for efficient energy management of the power unit.” he said.
The first hybrid powertrain, consisting of an internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery and control electronics, is planned to be run on the dyno before the end of the year and form the basis for the vehicle concept of the future. Thanks to its competitive environment, Formula 1 serves as a technology experimentation platform for both electric transportation and sustainable e-fuels.
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