Audi shows first car design and places curious Formula 1 job advertisement

Created: 08/27/2022, 11:40 am

By: Stefan Schmid

On the fringes of the Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, the German car manufacturer Audi announced its entry into Formula 1.

Including pompous presentation.

Spa-Francorchamps – For a long time there were rumors about whether the VW subsidiary Audi would enter Formula 1 or not, but now there is certainty.

The official announcement was garnished before the Grand Prix in Spa with the publication of a first car design and a curious job advertisement.

In addition, the cooperation with Sauber seems to be finalizing and Audi CEO Markus Duesmann announced further details about Audi's plans.

Audi boss has hope for “a German driver”

The announcement of Audi's entry into the pinnacle of racing, which was planned like clockwork, had many a highlight to offer.

"We will start in Formula 1 in 2026. Audi has officially registered," confirmed Audi CEO Markus Duesmann after the

offensive, which left no doubt about the approaching confirmation.

A concept car in the Audi design, which will never be seen on the racetrack, was unveiled and the plans for the "long-term commitment" were underlined.

Part of the long-term representation of the German automaker in Formula 1 should be “a German driver and a race in Germany” if Duesmann has his way.

It could possibly be Mick Schumacher, whose future in Formula 1 is becoming increasingly clear.

For the crew of the cars, which will be starting in 2026 with an Audi engine, Audi has already placed a – not entirely serious – job advertisement on

.

"Driver wanted, send in CV" can be read there.

Formula 1 rule changes prepare the ground for an ambitious Audi team

The basis for the Ingolstadt-based carmaker's decision to get involved in Formula 1 lies in a recently decided change in the regulations.

For Duesmann, the "right time to get started" is the changes that will then take effect towards cheaper, more sustainable drives that are therefore more suitable for series production.

Points that probably also convinced Porsche – another VW subsidiary – from entering Formula 1 soon.

The two companies would thus complete the German trio in Formula 1 alongside Mercedes.

In Ingolstadt, of course, they are aware that the first thing to do is to catch up with the experienced competition.

So you want to give yourself three years after the entry, but then at the latest "be very competitive", says Duesmann, who failed to provide any further details.

All German Formula 1 drivers since 1980

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Audi: Signs point to cooperation with Sauber

Since Audi wants to limit itself to building the engines, it is necessary to look for a cooperation partner who can provide a suitable chassis.

Also because "the starting position is much better if you work with an existing car," explains Duesmann.

Who that should be has not yet been officially announced, but the signs are currently pointing in the direction of the Sauber racing team, which will lose its current partner Alfa Romeo after the next season.

“By the end of the year”, Audi should confirm which cars will be launched in 2026.

David Schumacher – son of Ralf Schumacher – also wants to start in Formula 1 better today than tomorrow, but he first has to clear up a misunderstanding with the police.