Audi in F1?

Audi aims to start F1 engine tests by end of 2023
Audi reckons its Formula 1 programme will be ready to test a complete hybrid powertrain and will have finished its 300-person hiring programme by the end of 2023.

 

Audi F1 recruits Neel Jani as simulator driver

 

The Swiss is back. Yeah.

 

It's interesting that AUDI (VW Group) is intending to make its entry in F1 after buying a Swiss team, Sauber.

Years ago, Mercedes-Benz chose to partner the same team when they came back in motorsports (endurance first, then F1).

In between, BMW even bought the team for their F1 venture, only to leave precipitately only a few years later.

There must be something special at Sauber to attract the attention of the 3 main German car manufacturers !

 

If for whatever reason, at some point a German manufacturer does not want to deal with a British team, there is not much choice available...

 

I would think that Germany itself would be an excellent place to operate a F1 team, with a pool of qualified engineers and technicians, plenty of facilities and know-how. In fact some F1 teams were based there in the past (Toyota, Zakspeed, ATS, etc ..).

 

Hopp Schwiiz

 

Well for starters they all speak German. Secondly Hinwil is easy to get to: Zurich airport, 45 minutes car ride. But perhaps more importantly I'd say culturally the Swiss are closer to the Germans than say the Italians or British.

 

Right, since we lost Grosjean to Indycar.

 

Well, personally I am rejoycing that, once more, a big manufacturer takes so much notice of Sauber, and I wish them success.
Maybe because I read so much about Auto-Union and their pre-war success and made the connection with AUDI four-ring logo.

 

Rumors are flying that Audi are close to cancelling their F1 project. Sources are telling Radio Le Mans that the Volkswagen board is set to meet soon, and discuss whether to move forward or not.

Their "denial" of the rumors reek that there's fire under the smoke. I've said from the start I think Audi buying a team several years out was meaningless, and they'd get cold feet at some point.

https://thejudge13.com/2023/10/07/devastating-news-for-fia-as-audi-pull-the-plug-on-f1-project/

 

Audi probably wanted to secure a franchise in F1 before the new tech rules in 2016.

Sad news if Audi pulls out, IMO.

 

Another reason why F1 can't dependent on automakers to financially support it for much longer. As electrification becomes apart of each makes identity, they'll be less and less interested in F1. Audi's new board wants to go fully electric. They're not interested in e-fuels or the ICE like Porsche, and that's why I have a hard time believing they'll move forward with their F1 project.

F1 needs to seriously think about doing what Champ Car, and contract a private racing firm like Judd, Cosworth, or Ilmor to build engines for private teams like Williams and McLaren, so Ferrari and Mercedes don't have to support half the grid.

 

I mentioned that years ago. F1 has been relying on manufacturers for too long.

 

The only way for this to happen is for specific teams to branch out from this hybrid crap and make F1 naturally aspirated and the cars smaller and lighter weight(600kg).

The manufacturers have been dictating far too long the direction of F1.

 

The manufacturers have their heart really in electrification of the automotive market, but they have to deal with the transformation of their industry, the reluctance among their customer base, and the lack of charging infrastructure.
Governments offered them hybridisation as a half-way measure, and they used F1 as a laboratory to learn the technology.
Now that they have mastered it, F1 is of less interest to them, IMO.

 

Yeah, I agree. Hopefully Biofuels changes the landscape of the global electrification bandwagon and biofuels become cheaper over time.

 

Hybrid is fine. The problem isn't really that.

The problem is F1 wants a massive party of automakers like WEC has, without understanding why there's so much interest in WEC right now.

Automakers are willing to get behind regulations that include an ICE, but what they're not willing to do is throw space program level money behind development like they use to. Those days are gone.

The playing field being level from the word 'go' is what's attracting teams to WEC. It's not an power war or an aerodynamic pissing contest.

 

Well, the playing field is leveled as long as ACO gives you a good BOP. The problem is that ACO is always owing someone else a favour.

 

I'm not a fan of hybrid. Thankfully they're getting rid of it for 2026 and somewhat going back to basics.

 

As I posted earlier - when do the makers simply quit F1 as E is the way forward simply because thats what the makers are investing in. ICE is not the primary focus and F1 is not needed as a test site for it. Id like to see F1 continue but Formula E is here. What does F1 think its going to do. If Audi leave(yes a rumor) who is next. Alpine? Andretti buying in at the peak. Not so great timing potentially??

 

I am rather pessimistic about a widespread use of biofuels; they are very expensive to produce.

 

Hybrid is a transition between ICE and full electric power, but it's the worst of both world.
Hybrid is complex, also it makes cars heavier than necessary. It's a blind alley.
Carrying an ICE engine, PLUS an electric motor, then a fuel tank PLUS a substantial battery is a complete aberration.

 

But they are not !!! They only stop using MGU-H, but will still have MGU-K !!!

 

Yep. The biggest issue with Formula E is the onboard sounds are horrendous, and sound like a dental drill. Quiet cars are fine, but annoying whining noises are too much, and the series should consider something to muffle the sound.