F1

German manufacturer Audi will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier.

A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.” Audi say there are already test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing in their Neuburg base. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.” We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Alfa Romeo is to end its Formula 1 partnership with Sauber from the end of next season, the Italian manufacturer announced on Friday.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Join us as we delve into the new and interesting technical features on display up and down the pitlane as teams prepare for Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Audi will race in Formula 1 in 2026 with engines built at its Audi Sport factory in Neustadt, Germany. After years of rumors, Friday's announcement was not ...

Audi hasn't said which team(s) will use its engines, but again it's widely rumored that it will purchase a 75 percent stake in the Sauber team, which currently races under Alfa Romeo branding and with Ferrari engines. The Porsche announcement was supposed to take place at Red Bull's home race in Austria in July, but the sport only ratified [the 2026 engine rules](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/04/smaller-more-slippery-more-sustainable-cars-f1s-plan-for-2026/) in mid-August. Overall power output will remain at around 1,000 hp (745 kW), but now with almost half of that coming from a much more powerful electric motor (an MGU-K in F1-speak) that regenerates energy under braking and then sends it back to the rear wheels when needed.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in the paddock before... Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images. After three weeks away Formula 1 is back ...

The porpoising effect seen this season and the concern over the long-term health of the drivers led to this change. Currently, the forecast calls for rain on Friday and Saturday mornings but is clear for the race on Sunday. [WatchESPN](https://www.espn.com/watch/) [DraftKings Sportsbook](https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/motorsports/88671480) is offering odds on the race. Can one of the unconfirmed drivers secure their spot for next season with a strong run in Belgian and at the Dutch Grand Prix next weekend? [parting ways with Daniel Ricciardo](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formula1.com%2Fen%2Flatest%2Farticle.breaking-daniel-ricciardo-to-leave-mclaren-at-the-end-of-the-season.7nJEoiDWEllG7NRGR7yn1x.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2F2022%2F8%2F26%2F23320349%2Ff1-schedule-belgian-grand-prix-qualifying-start-time-live-stream-how-to-watch-tv-channel-schedule) at the end of the season. There are two DRS zones, one right after turn 1 and the other as the end of the circuit back onto the start/finish line. The race for 4th (Alpine, 99, and McLaren, 95) will be of huge interest, not just because they are four points apart, but the ongoing drama with Alonso, Ricciardo, & Piastri. Meanwhile, with Mercedes (304) landing at least one driver on the podium in seven of the last eight races, they are now just 30 points back of the Italian team. [Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formula1.com%2Fen%2Flatest%2Farticle.breaking-four-time-champion-sebastian-vettel-to-retire-from-formula-1-at-the.65j625XK4FPq6qf2Qn5gb5.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2F2022%2F8%2F26%2F23320349%2Ff1-schedule-belgian-grand-prix-qualifying-start-time-live-stream-how-to-watch-tv-channel-schedule) and exit from Aston Martin at the end of the season. and then Piastri posted to social media that [he had no agreement with Alpine](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formula1.com%2Fen%2Flatest%2Farticle.oscar-piastri-insists-i-will-not-be-driving-for-alpine-next-year-after-team.2IzNJp1wi79WZzmphZKSsB.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2F2022%2F8%2F26%2F23320349%2Ff1-schedule-belgian-grand-prix-qualifying-start-time-live-stream-how-to-watch-tv-channel-schedule) and would not be driving with them. George Russell’s (158) third in Hungary, his fifth third place this season, lifted him above Carlos Sainz (156) and remains 12 points ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton (146). And if you haven’t kept up with F1 news since the Hungarian Grand Prix, let’s quickly catch you up.

Audi says its decision to build a different engine to fellow Volkswagen Group manufacturer Porsche for its Formula 1 entry was made to help better ...

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Live commentary and updates on Friday practice for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

Bottas also set for a big drop— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) [Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/) [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/) [https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/](https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren.

Audi says it will make a final decision on its Formula 1 partner team by the end of the year amid links to a tie-up with Sauber.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Audi has suggested that there will be no collaboration on the power unit front with fellow Volkswagen affiliate Porsche.

"And the others have powertrains that work already. And I think we will be able to develop this power train also by 2026." And we love the challenge.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that Audi's arrival alongside fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche will only make the sport tougher.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the ...

Formal confirmation of the penalties by the FIA is expected later on Friday. Verstappen holds an 80-point lead over Leclerc for the driver title, and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez is just five points behind the Ferrari driver in third. A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after being dealt penalties on Friday.

Alfa Romeo is to end its Formula 1 partnership with Sauber from the end of next season, the Italian manufacturer announced on Friday.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Audi's chairman of the board of management Markus Duesmann noted that “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi's DNA.”

We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” In regards to Duesmann’s comments on the company’s “clear sustainability goals,” F1’s new regulations for 2026 include using fully sustainable fuels and using more electrical power. “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” Domenicali said. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. Duesmann did not specify which partner that Audi will take on. “Formula One is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Carlos Sainz headed a Ferrari 1-2 in first free practice for Formula 1's Belgium Grand Prix, as teammate Charles Leclerc beat Max Verstappen to second.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

The German brand won't field its own Formula 1 team but it will serve as an engine supplier. The 2026 season is set to introduce an improved hybrid ...

[possibility of Audi joining Formula 1](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39876210/audi-and-porsche-approved-formula-one/) has been rumored for years. The MGU-H, which currently harvests heat energy via exhaust gases in the turbocharger and can deploy electrical energy to reduce turbo lag, will be removed from the F1 power unit in 2026. Audi’s [entry into F1](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-audi-to-join-formula-1-from-2026.yr9pFVd5nSQBbZ7EZZDLJ.html) coincides with the start of these new engine rules, with the German automaker announcing its intent to start supplying engines for the 2026 season. The announcement came with images of a Formula 1 car mocked up with Audi livery. One of the stated goals of F1's revised engine regulations is to attract new power unit suppliers. [approved new engine regulations](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-fia-world-motor-sport-council-approves-power-unit-regulations-for.495Jt6I1pAAsytVVYjz2Z5.html) that will go into effect in 2026, [Audi](https://www.caranddriver.com/audi) officially announced its plans to compete in the premier open-wheel motorsport series.

A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following ...

Meanwhile, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will take on new gearbox cases and cassettes, while Verstappen, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will change their gearbox driveline, gearchange and auxiliary components beyond their allocations. Verstappen, Norris, Ocon and Bottas will have new internal combustion engines, turbochargers and MGU-Hs - taking them above and beyond their limit for the season – while Verstappen, Ocon and Leclerc will also be penalised for taking on new MGU-Ks and, in Leclerc’s case, a new energy store. A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following power unit element changes on their cars.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Belgian Grand Prix will have to earn its spot on next year's schedule.

Domenicali also noted that he was impressed with the investment into the venue and improved organizing. So you will see that this will be respected also, not only this year, but also in the future. The project also included new grandstands and surrounding infrastructure upgrades. [According to Autosport](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/domenicali-spa-could-keep-its-place-on-2023-f1-calendar/10357374/), Domenicali said: “There is a lot of respect for these places. This tradition is now at risk due to Formula 1’s [current change of direction.](https://jalopnik.com/formula-one-aims-for-las-vegas-africa-30-races-per-ye-1848691013)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the arrivals in F1 of Audi and Porsche will only make the sport tougher for all competitors.

It has been, and it's just going to get tougher with these guys coming." "I think when you see who has joined F1 in terms of automotive companies, and the very best brands in their sector outside of automotive, it shows the strength of the sport. So I think that it's brilliant for F1.

The move ties in with a potential acquisition of shares by Audi as early as next year, removing the possibility of Alfa Romeo logos being on a car that is ...

It’s 13 down, nine to go as the Formula 1 teams pause for breath in the summer break. But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosts the 14th round of the 2022 Formula 1 season this weekend on August 26-28. Here's how and when you can watch qualifying ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary. Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

Formula 1 chiefs are confident the championship can escape the previous boom and bust manufacturer cycles in the wake of the arrival of Audi and Porsche.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Live commentary and updates on Saturday practice and qualifying for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

[Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/) [thinks Mercedes is a "long way off"](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-a-long-way-off-at-spa-says-hamilton/10358451/)at the Belgian GP, with he and George Russell finishing sixth and eighth in FP2 yesterday [Audi to enter Formula 1 from 2026](/f1/video/audi-to-enter-formula-1-from-2026/580127/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren. Summary