Audi has tested its own engine for the first time ahead of its official F1 debut! The German racing team completed the takeover of Sauber last year and is set to hit the grid as a factory team this season. With new technical regulations in place, Audi is fully relying on its own power unit. The engine was first fired up in December at the former Sauber headquarters in Hinwil.
This week, the team confirmed that the engine was tested for the first time on December 19. Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley, former sporting director of Red Bull’s F1 team, called this a “crucial milestone,” especially since the chassis and power unit came together for the first time during this test. “This confirms the quality of the work and the collaboration between the different departments,” he stated. “It energizes the whole team and provides a clear focus as we approach the next stages of development. And of course, it’s exciting as we prepare to unleash the car on the track for the first time.”
First Test in Melbourne
In just a few months, Audi will face its first F1 baptism of fire. Private tests are set to take place in Barcelona at the end of January, followed by two public test sessions in Bahrain. By early March, Audi will already be gearing up for its first competitive challenge at the Australian Grand Prix. “Thanks to these achievements, we can accelerate our focus on our first race in Melbourne,” Wheatley said. “We will build on this as one united team.”
New Beginnings for Audi’s F1 Project
According to Mattia Binotto, head of Audi’s F1 project, the recent test marked “a new beginning” for the team. “Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the whole project incredible energy,” he added. “We have laid a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, characterized by our relentless drive for improvement.”
Meanwhile, rivals Honda and Mercedes have already shared audio clips of their Formula 1 engines, while Alpine released a video this week showcasing the new Mercedes power unit in action.
