Audi's plans to enter Formula 1 are gathering pace, with the German manufacturer apparently satisfied by the direction of the sport's regulations in the coming years. At a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council last week, the framework for the 2026 power unit regulations were outlined with the aim of using 100 percent sustainable fuels and a shift of focus to more electrical power. The intent is also to significantly reduce the costs, both for existing manufacturers and potential newcomers. With this framework in place, Audi appear to be on the verge of formally committing to an F1 entry.
Close to the finish line
In a letter, sent by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann and Oliver Hoffmann from Audi's Board of Management to former FIA President Jean Todt - who was succeeded by Mohammed Ben Sulayem last week - as well as Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Audi congratulated the FIA on hosting a fair competition "literally until the last lap of the season". Continuing, the letter, a copy of which was seen by RacingNews365.com , went on to say that Audi are now almost at the point of putting pen to paper and signing up to Formula 1, and that the regulations are a fair compromise that offers a level playing field. The letter, which was distributed to World Motorsport Council members ahead of the final meeting of the year on 15 December, states that with the "Regulation Framework Issue 6" poised to be passed by the WMSC, Audi are committed to the process of entry and hope to confirm in early 2022. The framework was ratified during the meeting and, as revealed last week , the plans for the 2026 power unit are to keep the 1.6-litre V6 engine, but get rid of the MGU-H and increase electrical power to 350 kilowatts.
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