Audi Refuses to Beat Their Drums Over F1 Entry Just Yet

The Formula 1 circus intends to go fully sustainable in terms of fuel. The new regulations are set to play a major role in engine manufacturing for 2026 and beyond. German manufacturer, Audi, who is a part of the Volkswagen Group, is set to enter Formula 1 by taking a stake in the Sauber team in 2026. After the grand announcement to enter the sport, Audi has now stated that their first couple of years in the sport might not be as grand.

Former FIA safety director Adam Baker is heading Audi’s F1 program. The manufacturers intend to build and supply engines. This may also mean that the coming two years may be the last of Sauber (Now, Alfa Romeo) and Ferrari’s collaboration, as Maranello is currently the team’s engine provider. With a head start of a couple of years, the team boss is still skeptic of success during the nascent years.

Audi Formula Racing CEO Baker told Deutsche Presse-Agentur, “We have to be realistic. The first and second year will probably be tough.”

Not making gigantic claims also eases down the pressure on all the stakeholders. More so, the sport is a complicated one and it may take a couple of years to come around. Even the hybrid era’s most dominant, Mercedes, endured a couple of underwhelming years at the beginning of their run.

Read More: Speculations Grow Around Sebastian Vettel After Audi Confirms Entry into F1

The Drive to Survive revolution and Liberty Media’s takeover have certainly piqued the interest of many players across the globe to enter Formula 1.

New Players other than Audi eager to enter Formula 1

Porsche, Ford, Andretti-Cadillac. New players are really keen to enter the sport. Considering the growing popularity and exponential increase in audience, there are talks of an increase in the number of teams on the grid. While the rules allow 26 cars to be the maximum limit, the current number is only 20.

The FIA President has welcomed the intentions of Michael Andretti to join F1. However, there is some resistance from existing teams. If things work out well, then Andretti-Cadillac can become the 11th team on the grid as early as 2024. The involvement of General Motors has provided much-needed legitimacy. Andretti has responded to all the backlash by answering the most frequently asked question, what do they bring to the party?

As per SkySports. com, he said, “Well, we’re bringing one of the biggest manufacturers in the world with us now with General Motors and Cadillac.”

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It will be an increasingly entertaining situation if more players become a part of the close-knit Formula 1 world. Which player do you want to see enter the arena?