Audi and BP partner for Formula 1 entry in 2026

Audi and bp have announced an extensive new strategic partnership as Audi prepares to enter Formula 1 in 2026, leveraging their technical expertise and commitment to innovation to shape the future of the sport. This entry coincides with the introduction of the revolutionary new FIA F1 Technical Regulations, which feature enhanced electrification and the use of advanced sustainable fuels.

The partnership will see bp and its specialist lubricants business, Castrol, play a crucial role in helping Audi achieve success in Formula 1. The two companies have been collaborating closely for nearly two years, co-engineering bp fuels and Castrol lubricants to maximise the performance of the Audi F1 Power Unit.

Andreas Seidl, CEO of the Audi F1 team, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership by saying, “Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and bp and Castrol also aspire to deliver the best technologies in the field of fuels and lubricants. This is a perfect match. It is a strong signal for Audi’s future F1 factory team that we have been able to establish this partnership at such an early stage. We sense the appeal of the Audi F1 Project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1.”

A key focus of the collaboration is the development of the FIA-defined advanced sustainable fuel required by the new regulations from 2026. This fuel must achieve at least a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-derived petrol.

Additionally, bp will develop and supply Audi with a range of bespoke Castrol lubricants and greases, including Castrol EDGE, Castrol’s most advanced engine oil, for the V6 turbo engine. The electrical components of the Audi F1 Power Unit will also benefit from the Castrol ON range of EV fluids.

Audi and bp share a long and successful history in motorsport, with Castrol products being used in every Audi motorsport factory programme since the 1980s. This includes the World Rally Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Rallycross Championship, the FIA Formula E World Championship, and the DTM race series.

Nicola Buck, SVP Marketing at bp, added in a press statement, “We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with bp and Castrol, this time for their entry into Formula 1. It gives our premium brands the opportunity to showcase our technical expertise at the pinnacle of motorsport. 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.”