Audi hasn’t yet competed in Formula One because they believe it has less of an impact on how technology are transferred to their road cars.
The first name that comes to mind when we think about motorsports is Formula One. F1 has become the preferred adrenaline-pumping athletic event to watch worldwide because to intense commercialization in the shape of films and documentaries. In addition, because bikes are involved, Moto-GP would be the other sport with a strong social stance. When compared to Formula One’s popularity, events like the Dakar Rally, Le Mans 24-Hour, and even NASCAR lose their luster.
Consequently, we anticipate automakers to get in headfirst for such a well-liked motorsport event, right? But that’s not the case, since we haven’t seen any other significant businesses, particularly those from Europe, save from the Italian group and brands like Aston Martin, Honda, and Ford. There have been rumors that Audi plans to arrive very soon. But for all these years, this premium automobile manufacturer owned by VW avoided entering the Formula One, citing a variety of intriguing justifications.
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Will Audi join Formula One?
Porsche and Audi will both compete in Formula 1, according to Herbert Diess, CEO of parent company Volkswagen Group.
Diess announced that the group’s Porsche and Audi brands will both participate in the sport during an online “Dialogue with Diess” question-and-answer session. He said, “You just run out of reasons [not to join F1].
The decision to enter F1 divided the Volkswagen Group board of directors, according to Diess, who also disclosed that the board ultimately decided to approve the move since it will generate more money than it will cost.
Why isn’t Lamborghini in Formula One?
Although the Italian automaker has produced some of the most iconic automobiles in history, Lamborghini hasn’t been the dominant force in Formula 1. Even more people have discovered the sport thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, but some auto fans have noted Lamborghini’s absence from the grid.
Despite not taking part in the event in 2021 or 2022, the Italian automaker has previous experience. According to F1 Technical, Lamborghini raced a vehicle dubbed the Lambo 291 in the 1990s. Despite possessing a strong V12 engine, its brief career didn’t turn out as expected.
There isn’t an official Formula One team for Lamborghini. However, the Italian automaker did make a foray into the sport in the early 1990s. This was the time the automaker ordered engineers Mario Tolentino and Mauro Forghieri to create a new vehicle based on the automaker’s L3512 naturally aspirated V12. Like all F1 vehicles at the time, the Lambo 291 had a carbon-fiber chassis. The automobile was about 1124 pounds in weight. The only transmission used to provide V12 power to the rear wheels was a six-speed manual.
It’s interesting to note that Lamborghini didn’t want its name on the squad since the company didn’t want to damage its reputation if the team failed. The team’s name is Modena because of this. However, Lamborghini decided to call its vehicle the Lambo 291.
Despite enormous expectations, the Lamborghini F1 car wasn’t a huge success. The 1991 Formula 1 season was the sole time the Lambo 291 was active. The pre-qualifying sessions served as its initial test. To even be eligible for one of the 16 races that year, the car had to perform well in these qualifying sessions.
Sadly, the automobile only competed in races six times. The Lambo 291 finished sixth at the U.S. Grand Prix on its best day. Lamborghini didn’t want to invest in a struggling squad, despite the fact that the company had one respectable finish at the beginning of the season. Despite having great hopes in 1992, Modena never returned to Formula 1.
Even if it happens, Lamborghini rejoining Formula One is doubtful. Just to enter costs $200 million. The current teams each receive an equal share of the money. Budgeting would also be required for the creation of a whole new vehicle and powertrain. Because Lamborghini lacks the same racing heritage as Ferrari, it would be prohibitively pricey.
Why tinker with success when Lamborghini’s Urus SUV is breaking sales records? If anything, Porsche or Audi have a stronger chance of entering Formula 1 because Lamborghini is controlled by the Volkswagen group.
Audi, an F1 sponsor?
According to the CEO of their parent company Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche will start competing in Formula One in 2026. Herbert Diess stated that the entry would take place four years after the new engine regulations were implemented for the series when speaking at a gathering in Wolfsburg on May 1.
Why isn’t VW in Formula One?
The German automaker has been making progress with its F1 intentions and recently made a public announcement saying that a final approval to proceed would come when F1’s new engine regulations for 2026 were finalized.
However, VW CEO Herbert Diess disclosed just how far along the firm is in its preparations in a YouTube video he posted on Monday in response to queries from citizens of Wolfsburg, where the company is headquartered.
According to Diess, an opportunity to make the move has arrived that won’t be replicated for some time because of the surge F1 is experiencing in important areas like the USA and the potential presented by an entirely new regulations set in 2026.
“The Formula 1 fan base has greatly increased in the United States as a result of the marketing that is taking place there and Netflix. Asia is expanding substantially, particularly with regard to youthful consumer groups.
“When comparing big sporting events throughout the world, Formula 1 is the only competition that actually matters and is getting more and more distinct.
“If you compete in motorsports, you should focus on Formula 1, as it has the biggest impact.
“In addition, you cannot enter Formula 1 unless a technological window opens, which requires a rule change to allow entry: everyone must restart from the same position.
Currently, Porsche is working with Penske to prepare an LMDh attack at Le Mans, while Audi has recently concentrated its factory efforts on the Dakar Rally.
“According to Markus Duesman, the chairman of Audi and a former head of powertrains for BMW F1, you can typically gain one second per season on a medium-sized racetrack by merely optimizing the little things.
“However, you can’t make up for it when you join a new team; it takes five to ten years to be at the top. In other words, you can only join if there is a significant regulation change.
“That is already happening and will continue to happen until 2026, when engines will be considerably more heavily electrified, including using synthetic fuels. That indicates that you require the development of a new engine, which will take three to four years.
“That implies you can choose to participate in Formula 1 right away or elect not to for ten years. And our two premium brands are giving that a priority because they believe it to be the right thing to do.
Diess affirmed that the Volkswagen brand will not be a part of the organization’s F1 aspirations, with Porsche and Audi resolving to enter the sport on their own.
Red Bull and Porsche have been tied together the most, with Diess confirming that Porsche’s intentions are more “concrete” than Audi’s, which has not yet chosen a partner.
“He stated that VW will not be involved. “The brand won’t participate since it doesn’t fit.
Diess claimed that a move to F1 was a no-brainer given that Porsche and Audi had high long-term sales goals and that study had shown that F1 programs could help the two automakers turn a profit.
“He claimed that because Porsche is the sportiest automobile brand on the planet, it must participate in motorsport.
“And you come to the conclusion that, if Porsche participates in motorsport, Formula 1 is the most effective course of action. There’s virtually a need to check that box.
Added him: “Compared to Porsche, Audi is a considerably weaker brand. It can’t charge such a significant price premium. Due to the far bigger potential for the brand, Audi actually has a stronger argument for participating in Formula 1.
“They are advancing into more competitive markets where they will face off against Daimler, and Audi will also have a cause to support their position.
“Additionally, Audi sends between four and five billion to Wolfsburg each year, and it will send even more with Formula 1 than without. You simply run out of reasons at that point.
“You may object, “But I don’t believe in Formula 1,” but there are solid reasons to believe that the sport will continue to develop. Why should you limit them if doing so results in increased revenue?
Even though Diess believes that Porsche and Audi should enter the Formula One, he has acknowledged that not everyone on the VW Board shares his opinion at a time when the auto sector is undergoing change due to the transition to electric vehicles.
“He stated that not everyone on the Board agreed with the conversation. “Certainly, we have other strategic interests.
Will BMW compete in Formula One?
BMW claims that the reason for its lack of involvement in the racing is the F1 organizers’ tardiness in implementing electrification technology.
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BMW doesn’t appear to be prepared to return to Formula One. Frank Van Meet, head of BMW M, stated that the carmaker has no desire to compete in Formula One. When it comes to its goals in motorsports, the automaker is instead expressing a greater interest in the Le Mans Daytona hybrid, or LMDh, according to BMWBlog.
Has BMW left Formula One?
Since the World Drivers’ Championship was established in 1950, BMW has been involved in Formula One in a variety of capacities. Before developing the BMW M12/13 inline-four turbocharged engine in the 1980s, the business competed in sporadic races in the 1950s and 1960s (typically under Formula Two rules). The team’s chassis were powered by BMW engines from 1982 to 1987 as a consequence of an agreement between BMW and Brabham. Nelson Piquet won the 1983 title while operating a Brabham BT52-BMW during this time. ATS, Arrows, Benetton, and Ligier teams were also given the M12/13 by BMW during this time, with varying degrees of success. Brabham briefly left the sport in 1988, and BMW stopped officially supporting the engines, which were still being used by the Arrows team under the Megatron moniker. The 1989 revision of the Formula One Technical Regulations outlawed turbocharged engines, making the M12/13 obsolete.
In the late 1990s, BMW made the decision to return to Formula One and entered into an exclusive agreement with the Williams team, which was in need of a new long-term engine supplier following the departure of Renault in 1997. A new V10 engine was produced as a result of the work and debuted in competition in the Williams FW22 in 2000. The collaboration advanced from the midfield to contending for race victories the next year, but the desired title remained elusive due to Michael Schumacher and Ferrari’s domination in the first half of the 2000s. BMW decided to sever ways with Williams in 2005 as their relationship had deteriorated, and instead decided to purchase the rival Sauber team outright.
The BMW Sauber project, which ran from 2006 to 2009, significantly raised the Swiss former privateer team’s competitiveness. A strong third place performance in the Constructors’ Championship in 2007 followed two podium places in the inaugural season (which became second when McLaren was disqualified). Robert Kubica won the team’s lone race in 2008, the Canadian Grand Prix, and briefly held the lead in the Drivers’ Championship, but the team decided to concentrate on 2009 car development and fell back in the standings at the end of the season. Due to the F1.09 chassis’ lack of competitiveness, the 2009 season was a significant letdown. BMW decided to leave the sport, returning the team to its founder, Peter Sauber, in addition to the global financial downturn and the company’s displeasure with the constraints of the current technical standards in developing technology relevant to road cars.
Is Bugatti entering Formula 1?
The Type 35 Revival pays homage to Bugatti’s winning racecar from the Monaco circuit races in 1929 and 1930. The Revival is designed with a comparable long nose and short tapered rear, echoing the distinctive design cues of the 90-year-old racing while meticulously maintaining Bugatti’s unique elements, including the horseshoe grille and that seriously cute blue and black paint job. According to Overbeeke, the car was built to be a fan car with a suckdown system, similar to the Chaparral 2J and Brabham BT46. It also includes a powerful high revving internal combustion engine (note the exhausts on top). He added that the Type 35 Revival includes a graphic of the Monaco racetrack on the side in addition to its laurels as a nod to the company’s three-year winning streak at the Monaco races.
The Type 35 Revival’s design isn’t simply a concept for your eyes, even though the French automaker has no immediate plans to compete in Formula One. In Gran Turismo for PlayStation, you can actually drive it!
Aston Martin competes in Formula One?
Lance Stroll earned a point for the fourth time this season after placing tenth in the French Grand Prix. The Aston Martin F1 driver improved throughout the race and eventually finished in the top 10 in Le Castellet’s scorching weather.
I feel good, especially after that raceit seemed like spending an hour and a half in an oven!
Walk said.
Yes, I believe that our speed in the race was surprisingly better than anticipated; we were able to keep up with the guys in front. I got off to a good start and did well in the race.
As a result of the collision between [Esteban] Ocon and [Yuki] Tsunoda at turn 8, I was able to make a strong exit from the corner and get off to a strong start in my race. I then passed [Pierre] Gasly and [Alex] Albon.
We were definitely slower than the Alpines, but I was faster than [Daniel] Ricciardo, and I believe I could have moved up the standings without the virtual safety car at the end of the race.
Stroll and teammate Sebastian Vettel battled for tenth place on the final lap, but the Canadian insists that they did not go over any lines:
Although it was close, everything was in order! Even though I was having some trouble with the tires, he was moving faster on the hard tires than I was, allowing me to maintain my lead.
On the other side, Sebastian Vettel was dissatisfied with the speed of his AMR22 and frustrated that he failed to place in the top 10.
Being slowed down by traffic the entire race was annoying, but given where we were starting from, it was somewhat expected. Although we were missing performance, we had a greater understanding of the vehicle. We’ll see as the next event will be held on a different course.