P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 for 2026 is dismissed by some as a risk from a manufacturer with no experience in grand prix racing. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Audi has a strong track record in motorsport, which should concern leading teams like McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes due to their success in entering new categories and winning.
For the first time, Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026 with a works team by taking over Sauber and creating its own power unit.
Audi’s entry into grand prix racing is demonstrated by their success at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
In 1999, Audi finished third and fourth overall in their debut at the Circuit de la Sarthe with the R8R and R8C despite mechanical issues.
In 2000, Audi achieved a historic 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans with drivers Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro, and Tom Kristensen.
Tom Kristensen went on to claim seven of his nine Le Mans wins driving for Audi between 2000 and 2013.
Audi also found success off-road, winning the Dakar Rally for the first time in 2024 with an all-electric RS e-tron driven by Carlos Sainz Sr., marking the first victory in the Dakar by an electric-powered machine.
