Why is there no Audi in F1?
Background. Whilst the modern Audi company has never entered Grand Prix racing, its predecessor company Auto Union had competed in Grand Prix racing from 1935 to 1939, prior to the inception of the World Championship in 1950. Audi announced in 2022 that it would enter the championship as an engine manufacturer in 2026. As of mid-2025, the company has no intention of joining F1—due to brand strategy, cost concerns, and existing VW Group participation via Audi and Porsche. Instead, Lamborghini is fully committed to endurance racing (LMDh) and expanding its presence in IMSA and WEC .German automotive giants Audi, who have tasted success in various motorsport categories, will debut in F1 next year after recently completing a takeover of the Kick Sauber entry.
What F1 team will turn into Audi?
Sauber previously announced their intention to open the centre earlier in the year as preparations ramp up for their transformation into becoming the Audi F1 factory team from 2026 onwards. In the penultimate season of its Alfa Romeo sponsorship deal, Sauber announced that 75% of the team would be acquired by Audi to become the Audi factory team in Formula One in 2026.
Is number 27 allowed in F1?
F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport. F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Each driver has the opportunity to choose a permanent number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, that they can use throughout their F1 career.Number 17 is the only driver number in Formula 1 to be officially retired — a tribute to the late Jules Bianchi. The French driver was using #17 when he suffered a devastating crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. After fighting for nine months, Bianchi sadly passed away in 2015 from his injuries.Drivers were initially allowed to choose any number from 2 through 99; number 1 is reserved for the World Drivers’ Champion. The number 17 was retired in 2015 as a mark of respect to Jules Bianchi, who died that year from injuries sustained in a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while carrying the number.However, not all numbers in F1 carry joyful associations. The number 17, once worn by Jules Bianchi, holds a somber place in the sport’s history. During the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Bianchi suffered a tragic accident while racing with this number at Suzuka.Why is 17 not allowed in F1? Number 17 is the only driver number in Formula 1 to be officially retired — a tribute to the late Jules Bianchi. The French driver was using #17 when he suffered a devastating crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Is Audi joining F1 in 2025?
Audi are preparing to enter formula 1 in 2026, with a major partnership now being put in place. The future audi f1 team have announced global financial technology company revolut as their title partner from the 2026 season onwards. In the penultimate season of its alfa romeo sponsorship deal, sauber announced that 75% of the team would be acquired by audi to become the audi factory team in formula one in 2026. This plan was revised in 2024 when audi acquired 100% of the team, who later sold a minority stake to the qatar investment authority.The company’s leadership has consistently ruled out future participation due to high costs, misalignment with their road-car focus, and existing VW Group commitments through Audi and Porsche. There are no current plans for Lamborghini to join Formula 1 in the future.
Is 69 allowed in F1?
F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Each driver has the opportunity to choose a permanent number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, that they can use throughout their F1 career. Yes, 13 is allowed. In fact, Pastor Maldonado used #13 when the permanent number system began in 2014. Though often considered unlucky in some cultures, F1 left the choice to the drivers.