Audi and bp announce Formula 1 partnership for 2026

Audi and bp have announced an exclusive sponsorship and technical partnership for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026. bp will become the first official partner of the future Audi factory team, developing FIA-specified advanced sustainable fuel and providing Castrol lubricants for Audi’s V6 turbo engine and EV fluids for the electric motor and battery.

This collaboration aligns with the introduction of groundbreaking FIA F1 Technical Regulations, which focus on enhanced electrification and the use of advanced sustainable fuels. Audi and bp aim to combine their technical expertise to shape the future of motorsport, ensuring maximum performance and sustainability.

The partnership includes the co-engineering of bp fuels and Castrol lubricants to optimise the Audi F1 Power Unit. The advanced sustainable fuel, developed by bp, will meet the FIA’s requirement of achieving at least a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-derived petrol.

bp also will supply Audi with bespoke Castrol lubricants, including Castrol EDGE engine oil for the V6 turbo engine and Castrol ON EV fluids for the electrical components. This collaboration marks a significant step in achieving high performance and sustainability in Formula 1.

Leadership perspectives

Andreas Seidl, CEO of the Audi F1 team, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Audi and bp have always worked together successfully in motorsport. We are delighted that we can take this special partnership to the next level in Formula 1.”

Nicola Buck, senior vice president of Marketing at bp, highlighted the opportunity for their premium brands to showcase technical expertise at the pinnacle of motorsport, saying, “We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with bp and Castrol for their entry into Formula 1. We are already making great progress with the Audi F1 Project on the development of the bp fuel and Castrol lubricants as we seek to innovate and unlock maximum engine performance for the Audi F1 Power Unit from 2026.”

Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, emphasised the importance of early fuel testing and development. “There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026. In view of the high performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with bp as our partner. The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimised by developing the engine in combination with the fuel properties. That’s why at Audi Formula Racing where we are well advanced with Audi’s F1 power unit development, we use all three single-cylinder test benches allowed by the FIA regulations intensively for fuel development. It is impressive how many different fuel variants we have developed to date as we prepare for our 2026 race season. I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with bp and Castrol.”