F1 Rumour: Audi Full Steam Ahead On 2026 Entry

Audi is headed at full steam towards its F1 entry in 2026, after the newly appointed Audi CEO, Gernot Dollner, has reportedly approved the manufacturer's plans to move forward with their entry into Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Audi is reportedly moving forward with its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, as the newly appointed CEO, Gernot Dollner, has given internal approval for the plans despite earlier uncertainties.
• Initial doubts about Audi's F1 entry arose due to leadership changes and alleged cost-cutting measures within the organization, which could have impacted the plans.
• While there is no official statement from Dollner due to a legal silence period, reports suggest that he has encouraged the staff to proceed with full efforts toward joining the F1 paddock. Rumors about potential key personnel, such as Mattia Binotto for the team principal role and Lando Norris as a driver, have also circulated.

Earlier, the German manufacturer's F1 entry was struck with doubts because of a change in the leadership and the supposed cost-cutting measures throughout the organization. Both variables posed a strong potential to upset Audi's Formula 1 plans. 

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However, as per a report by Manager Magazin, Dollner is supportive of the manufacturer's plans to join the F1 paddock ahead of the new regulations set to make major changes to the sport in 2026.

Assuming the position in September of this year from Markus Duesmann, the new CEO was initially reported to be less enthusiastic about the idea of entering Formula 1 compared to his predecessor. However, the latest information now affirms that Audi is anticipated to replace Sauber and develop their own power units by 2026.

Though no official public statement has been made by the new CEO on the speculation as a result of a legal silence period for corporate boards lasting 100 days, it is reported that the new boss has asked his staff to continue their work on joining the F1 paddock in full throttle. 

However, as there is no definitive information available regarding the plans of the new team concerning the team boss and drivers, early speculations have been doing the rounds lately. There are rumors suggesting potential key personnel for the new team, including talks of former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto being considered for the team principal role and Lando Norris being speculated as a significant driver signing.