The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team today confirmed that George Russell will become team-mate to reigning seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, beginning from the 2022 Formula One season as the sport enters a new era of technical regulations.
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Contents
- 1 Who will drive for Mercedes in 2023?
- 2 Is Audi joining F1?
- 3 Who will replace McLaren Daniel Ricciardo?
- 4 Who will replace Mick Schumacher?
- 5 Is Bose sponsoring Mercedes in 2022?
- 6 Who will replace Hamilton at Mercedes in 2022?
Who is going to Mercedes 2022?
Update: George Russell to race for Mercedes in 2022 – Updated 10:20 Tuesday 7 th September 2021. Mercedes has announced that George Russell will partner Lewis Hamilton in its F1 team for 2022, confirming possibly the worst kept secret in F1 and finally bringing to an end one of the longest running contract sagas in F1’s recent history.
Current Mercedes-AMG junior driver Russell has been racing for Williams for three seasons now, impressing with a series of qualifying results that dragged a slow car into the latter stages before backing that up with a pair of points finishes in the last few races, including his first F1 podium at Spa.
The news follows confirmation that Valtteri Bottas will end his five-year association with Mercedes at the end of the season to join Alfa Romeo. Williams has yet to confirm its driver line-up for 2022, with both former Red Bull driver Alex Albon and Mercedes-affiliated, new Formula E champion Nyck De Vries rumoured to be in contention.
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Who is joining Mercedes in 2022 F1?
F1 news 2022: Daniel Ricciardo to join Mercedes, reserve driver, next team, rumours, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, latest, updates.
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Which driver is going to Mercedes next year?
The big three – Mercedes have George Russell tied down to a long-term deal, while seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is contracted until the end of 2023. Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, who signed a lucrative new contract with Red Bull that lasts until the end of 2028.
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Who will drive for Mercedes in 2023?
Williams – Alex Albon – #23 Logan Sargeant – TBC Albon remains at Williams for 2023, but he has a new team mate to guide in the form of American rookie Sargeant, who got the nod after picking up the required number of Super Licence points with a stellar rookie performance in the F2 championship. Williams will hope Albon and Sargeant make a tasty pairing for 2022 2023 Formula 1 driver line-ups
Team | 2023 Drivers |
---|---|
Red Bull | Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez |
Ferrari | Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz |
Mercedes | Lewis Hamilton, George Russell |
Alpine | Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly |
McLaren | Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri |
Alfa Romeo | Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu |
Aston Martin | Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso |
Haas | Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg |
AlphaTauri | Yuki Tsunoda, Nyck de Vries |
Williams | Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant |
Is Audi joining F1?
Audi have reached an agreement with Sauber to make the Swiss Formula 1 operation their works team from 2026. The German manufacturer announced in August that they will join F1 as a power unit supplier, when new regulations that feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels will be introduced in four years.
- READ MORE: Audi to join Formula 1 from 2026 Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Audi said Sauber – who are currently running under the Alfa Romeo banner – will become their “strategic partner” for their F1 programme and that the automotive company plans to acquire a stake in the Sauber Group.
- Audi will create their power unit at their base in Neuburg in Germany – where already more than 120 people are working on the project – while Sauber will develop and manufacture their race car at their headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland.
Sauber will also be responsible for planning and executing the race operations. “We are delighted to have gained such an experienced and competent partner for our ambitious Formula 1 project,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Audi AG Board Member responsible for the F1 programme.
We already know the Sauber Group with its state-of-the-art facility and experienced team from previous collaborations and are convinced that together we will form a strong team.” REACTION: Audi to join Formula 1 in 2026 Sauber Chairman of the Board of Directors Finn Rausing added: “Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group.
It is clear that we share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common goals in a strong and successful partnership.” ANALYSIS: Why Audi chose Sauber as partner for their F1 adventure Sauber Motorsport CEO and Team Principal Fred Vasseur said: “The partnership between Audi AG and Sauber Motorsport is a key step for our team as we continue to make progress towards the front of the grid. The Sauber cars currently run with Alfa Romeo branding, but come 2026 they’ll carry Audi colours Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1 said: “It is great news to hear that Audi will have a partnership with Sauber for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
The combination of those two names is a very exciting prospect for our sport. “It highlights the strong momentum that Formula 1 has and the belief in our strategy to further grow and enhance the sport while delivering on our sustainability plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 with advanced sustainable fuels in the cars in 2026.
We look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years and the car on the grid for the team’s first race.” READ MORE: ‘It’s perfect timing due to the new rules’ – Audi boss explains why they joined F1 Ahead of Audi’s arrival, Alfa Romeo will end their title sponsorship of Sauber at the end of the 2023 campaign.
The Swiss team will continue to use Ferrari power units through to the end of 2025, before taking on Audi power for the following campaign. Audi – who are part of the Volkswagen Group – say expansion of their Neuburg facility in terms of personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure should “be largely in place in 2023”.
They intend to do their first tests of the 2026 power unit in an F1 test car in 2025.
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Who will replace Lewis Hamilton?
Daniel Ricciardo faces four F1 rivals to replace Hamilton at Mercedes might harbour hopes of replacing at if he becomes the reserve driver for the Silver Arrows. The Australian will be a free agent at the end of the 2022 campaign, and is reportedly in talks to join Mercedes as back-up to Hamilton and,
- If Hamilton retires when his contract ends in 2024, Ricciardo could be in line to replace the Briton.
- But he will have plenty of competition from some highly-rated Formula One talent.
- Express Sport looks at Mercedes’ alternative options if Hamilton departs at the end of 2023.
- Nyck de Vries F1 fans will be very familiar with Dutchman Nyck de Vries despite the 27-year-old never holding a permanent seat in the category.
This weekend, De Vries will drive in the first practice session for the third time this season. He replaced Hamilton for FP1 at the French Grand Prix in July. De Vries also stepped in for Alex Albon’s Williams seat for practice at the Spanish GP. Aston Martin will also allow De Vries to drive for them instead of Sebastian Vettel at Monza on Friday. Daniel Ricciardo could be lined up as Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement (Image: GETTY IMAGES) Mick Schumacher The son of the legendary former racer Michael Schumacher, Mick Schumacher could be an apt replacement for Hamilton. Schumacher Snr came out of retirement for a couple of years to ride for Mercedes.
Daniel Ricciardo could succeed Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes if he becomes reserve driver (Image: GETTY IMAGES) : Daniel Ricciardo faces four F1 rivals to replace Hamilton at Mercedes
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Which F1 team will become Aston Martin?
A commercial rebranding of Racing Point F1 Team resulted in the team’s return as Aston Martin in 2021, utilising Mercedes power units. The team, owned by Lawrence Stroll, has Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll as their race drivers.
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Who is leaving F1?
The 2023 F1 grid is finally settled. We’ve said goodbye to Sebastian Vettel, Mick Schumacher and Daniel Ricciardo, but welcome Logan Sargeant and Oscar Piastri as rookies and Nico Hülkenberg returns after two seasons away.
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Who will replace McLaren Daniel Ricciardo?
Oscar Piastri confirmed as McLaren driver to replace Daniel Ricciardo for 2023 ahead of move from Alpine.
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Who will replace Mick Schumacher?
Nico Hulkenberg returns to a permanent Formula 1 seat for the first time since being let go by Renault in 2019; Mick Schumacher’s first spell in the sport ends after two seasons with Haas; the announcement completes the 2023 grid – Last Updated: 17/11/22 5:33pm Nico Hulkenberg will replace Mick Schumacher at Haas for the 2023 Formula 1 season, the team have confirmed. Haas’ decision brings to an end Schumacher’s two-year spell in the sport, with fellow German Hulkenberg’s signing completing the grid for next season.
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“I would like to thank Mick Schumacher for his contribution to the team over the past couple of years,” said Haas team boss Guenther Steiner. “Mick’s pedigree in the junior categories was well known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 Team – culminating in his first Formula 1 points-scoring successes earlier this season. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Mick Schumacher feels he has extracted the most out of each situation and is ‘disappointed’ at losing his seat at Haas. Mick Schumacher feels he has extracted the most out of each situation and is ‘disappointed’ at losing his seat at Haas.
- While choosing to go in separate directions for the future the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond.” Schumacher was not quoted in the official press release, but posted shortly after on social media: ” This is going to be my last race with Haas.
- Instagram Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this Privacy Options “I don’t want to hide the fact that I am very disappointed about the decision not to renew our contract.
Nevertheless, I would like to thank both Haas and Ferrari for giving me this opportunity. Those years together have helped me mature both technically and personally. And especially when things got difficult, I realised how much I love this sport. “It was at times bumpy but I steadily improved, learned a lot and now know for sure that I deserve a place in Formula 1. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Lewis Hamilton shares his thoughts following Mercedes’ first one-two of the season and why he’s not thinking about the past ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi Lewis Hamilton shares his thoughts following Mercedes’ first one-two of the season and why he’s not thinking about the past ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi “My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to return to the starting grid.” Schumacher then signed off his post with ‘PTW’, which he said earlier this season means ‘Prove Them Wrong’.
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Is Bose sponsoring Mercedes in 2022?
#SponsorWatch: Mercedes-AMG won’t be partnered by EPSON and BOSE in 2022 after 8 years with the team.
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Who is driving for Williams in 2023?
Logan Sargeant to drive for Williams Racing in 2023 Williams Racing are pleased to confirm that Logan Sargeant will race for the team in the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship. The 21-year-old American secured sufficient points at the final Formula 2 race in Abu Dhabi to qualify for a Super Licence and was crowned rookie of the year after finishing his F2 season with Carlin in P4 with 148 points, two wins and a further two podium appearances.
- It’s a huge honour and a dream come true to be given this opportunity to compete in Formula 1 with Williams Racing,” shared our resident Floridian.
- A massive thank you to every person at Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for the support they’ve given me since the day I first joined the team at the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
“Being a part of the Williams Driver Academy for the past year has given me an important platform to develop as a driver and prepare me for this next chapter. “I’m ready and excited to be a part of this journey as the team looks to progress up the grid”.
- The Williams Academy driver completes the team’s line-up for the 2023 season alongside Alex Albon and becomes the first racer from the United States to compete in Formula 1 since 2015.
- Jost Capito, CEO and Team Principal, is pleased to have locked in his driver line-up for 2023.
- We’re delighted to officially announce Logan as our driver for next year after qualifying for a super licence following the final F2 event of the season in Abu Dhabi,” he shared.
“Logan completes our exciting driver line-up for 2023 alongside Alex. Since joining our Driver Academy at the end of 2021, Logan has been able to fully integrate with the team at Grove while on the simulator and more recently at track during the four Free Practice sessions he’s participated in.
- He’s had a strong rookie season in Formula 2, and we are excited to watch him make the step up in Formula 1.
- We are here to support that journey with him.” Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, has been working closely with Logan ever since he joined our Driver Academy just over 12 months ago and is understandably pleased to promote from within our pool of talented racers.
“To be able to give Logan the opportunity to compete in Formula 1 for Williams Racing next year after being an integral part of our Driver Academy is a proud moment for the team,” he stated. “Seeing a driver from the Academy getting in our F1 seat is a motivation for all the other Academy drivers and demonstrates legitimacy of the programme and the platform it provides. Join the team Sign up to unlock your very own Driver Card and be one of the first to know about all the latest Williams Racing news and announcements. We caught up with Logan in Abu Dhabi to hear from the man himself as he achieves a lifelong ambition, watch the full interview, You can show your support by picking up his unique t-shirt in our Online Store, whilst stocks last. Logan Sargeant T-Shirt Show your support for our two-time F2 race winner with this limited edition tee. : Logan Sargeant to drive for Williams Racing in 2023
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Will Lamborghini join F1?
While Lamborghini has created some of the world’s most influential cars, the Italian automaker hasn’t dominated F1. Netflix’s Drive to Survive has brought even more new viewers to the sport, but some car enthusiasts have noticed Lamborghini’s absence from the grid.
- Despite not competing in 2021 or 2022, the Italian carmaker has experience in the sport.
- Lamborghini raced a car called the Lambo 291 in the 1990s, says F1 Technical.
- Despite having a powerful V12 under the hood, its short career didn’t go as planned.
- Lamborghini doesn’t have an official Formula 1 team.
The Italian carmaker did enter the sport back in the early 1990s, though. This was when the carmaker asked engineers Mauro Forghieri and Mario Tolentino to design a new car based on the L3512 naturally-aspirated V12 from the carmaker. Lambo 291 got a carbon-fiber chassis, just like all F1 cars back then.
- The car weighed around 1124 pounds.
- Power from the V12 went to the rear wheels only through a six-speed manual.
- Interestingly, Lamborghini’s didn’t want its name on it on the team as the automaker didn’t want to hurt its brand image, in case it failed.
- That’s why the team is called Modena.
- Still, Lamborghini chose to call its car Lambo 291.
The Lamborghini F1 car wasn’t a huge success despite high hopes. The Lambo 291 only competed during the 1991 Formula 1 season. It had its first test in the pre-qualifying sessions. The car had to do well in these sessions to even qualify for one of the 16 races that year.
- Sadly, only six times did the car race.
- On its best day, the Lambo 291 finished seventh at the U.S.
- Grand Prix.
- Even though Lamborghini had one decent finish at the start of the season, Lamborghini didn’t want to invest in a failing team.
- Modena never returned to Formula 1 despite high hopes in 1992.
- Lamborghini returning to Formula One is unlikely at best.
It costs $200 million to just get in. The sum is split equally amongst the current teams. You’d also have to budget for building a brand new car and powertrain from scratch. Lamborghini doesn’t have a racing history like Ferrari, so it would be too expensive.
Also, Lamborghini’s Urus SUV is smashing sales records, so why mess with success? If anything, since Lamborghini is owned by the Volkswagen group, there’s a better chance that Porsche or Audi gets involved in Formula 1. You can read more on this topic with the following articles https://supersportiva.com/lamborghini-f1/ https://bleacherreport.com/articles/879542-formula-1-irrelevant-uninteresting-and-too-expensive If you like these blog posts about motorsports, then join me on my Cradle of Supercars Travel Adventure Tour in Italy! On our tour, you’ll drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini, visit exotic factories and museums like two Ferrari, two Lamborghini, Pagani, Ducati and, Imola racetrack, tour historic towns, and participate in Italian cooking and culinary experiences – all through the lens of fellow car enthusiast.
We also have a day in Florence, Italy included, if you need to take a break from all the speed, brake dust and screeching tires! Yes, this is a perfect gift for a birthday present, a couples/ladies/guys trip and there are enough activities even for the non-car enthusiasts travel-mate! Our next tour is September 1-8, 2022! It’s timed perfectly for you to enjoy the Italian F1 Grand Prix in Monza on September 9-11, 2022just saying.
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Who is Audi replacing in F1?
Car manufacturer Audi announced it will join Formula One in 2026 as a power unit constructor, the company announced at a press conference in Spa, ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” Markus Duesmann, the chairman of Audi’s board of management, said.
“Formula One is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory. “The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. After all, Formula One and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.” Audi was able to join F1 after the league established new engine regulations for 2026.
The new regulations give Audi an opportunity to be on more level ground with other power unit manufacturers already present in F1. In regards to Duesmann’s comments on the company’s “clear sustainability goals,” F1’s new regulations for 2026 include using fully sustainable fuels and using more electrical power.
F1 will no longer use the MGU-H unit with the new regulations. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also spoke at the press conference, saying how excited the league is to add Audi to the racing field. “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” Domenicali said.
“This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow. “It is also a big recognition that our move to sustainably fueled hybrid engines in 2026 is a future solution for the automotive sector.
We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” Duesmann did not specify which partner that Audi will take on. There are rumors that Audi will take over the Sauber F1 team, which is currently under sponsor Alfa Romeo.
On Friday, Alfa Romeo announced that it would be ending its partnership with Sauber in 2023. As of now, Audi is set to join power unit suppliers Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Red Bull Powertrains. More Formula One Coverage:
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Why is Porsche not in F1?
Skip to content Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and Porsche has officially confirmed its discussions with Red Bull about a future move into Formula 1 have been terminated without agreement. However the manufacturer said a move into the series at a future point still remains attractive. The F1 team and road car manufacturer have been in talks for months about joining forces.
- The introduction of new engine regulations for the 2026 season has already prompted a commitment from Porsche’s fellow Volkswagen Group brand Audi.
- In May, then-VW Group CEO Herbert Diess said both manufacturers had “decided to enter Formula 1”, citing the rising interest in the series.
- At the time he referred to Porsche’s plans as “already relatively concrete” but Audi’s “not so much”.
However, while Audi confirmed its impending arrival last month, Porsche’s talks with Red Bull reached an irresolvable impasse. “In the course of the last few months, Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH have held talks on the possibility of Porsche’s entry into Formula 1,” said a statement from Porsche.
- The two companies have now jointly come to the conclusion that these talks will no longer be continued.” The two parties were unable to agree terms around the extent of Porsche’s integration into the Red Bull team.
- The premise was always that a partnership would be based on an equal footing, which would include not only an engine partnership but also the team,” said Porsche’s statement.
“This could not be achieved.” However he indicated the manufacturer is leaving the door open to a future move into F1. “With the finalised rule changes, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored,” it concluded.
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Is Porsche joining Red Bull?
Following the Volkswagen Group’s approval for Porsche to enter F1, the German manufacturer held talks with Red Bull about a potential partnership from 2026. But regular delays amid uncertainty from Red Bull about Porsche’s bid to take a 50% share in the team have ultimately led to negotiations coming to an end.
Porsche said on Friday ahead of the Italian Grand Prix that these talks had ended and that no partnership with Red Bull would be pursued. “In the course of the last few months, Dr. Ing.h.c.F. Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH have held talks on the possibility of Porsche’s entry into Formula 1,” the statement reads.
“The two companies have now jointly come to the conclusion that these talks will no longer be continued. “The premise was always that a partnership would be based on an equal footing, which would include not only an engine partnership but also the team.
- This could not be achieved.
- With the finalised rule changes, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored.” Porsche and sister VW Group brand were both due to enter F1 in 2026 under the next generation of power units and the push to focus on sustainable fuels.
Audi was always planning to enter F1 only as an engine manufacturer, with confirmation of its addition to the grid being announced at the Belgian Grand Prix late last month. But Porsche’s plan was always to take a 50% share in the Red Bull F1 operation, something that ultimately caused talks to break down.
Red Bull and Porsche had hoped to make an announcement about their partnership plans as early as the Austrian Grand Prix in mid-July, only for talks to drag on. Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner emphasised in recent weeks the importance of retaining its independence and ability to react quickly, and that plans for its Red Bull Powertrains operation for 2026 were still progressing regardless of any possible incoming partner.
“The team is the biggest marketing asset globally for Red Bull – why would we compromise that strategically for the long term?” said Horner last Sunday at Zandvoort. “For 2026, we’re fully committed. We’ve recruited some of the best talent in Formula 1 within Red Bull Powertrains, we’ve created a factory within 55 weeks, with fully commissioned dynos, we’ve built our first prototype engine for 2026 and run that prior to the summer break.
“We’re on a really exciting trajectory that isn’t dependent on outside involvement or investment if there’s strategically the right partner.” With Audi set to link up with Sauber from 2026, it is unclear what options would be open to Porsche for 2026 should its interest in F1 prompt it to shift attention elsewhere.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali revealed earlier this week that other manufacturers were waiting in the wings to join the grid if Porsche’s plans fell through. Read Also:
F1 reveals other manufacturers waiting as Porsche entry doubts grow The culture clash at the heart of Red Bull’s stalled Porsche partnership
What new companies are joining F1?
German manufacturer Audi will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier. It comes after new power unit regulations, designed specifically to make it possible and attractive for newcomers to join the sport at a competitive level, were published earlier this month.
The 2026 power units will maintain the current V6 internal combustion engine architecture but feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels, two factors Audi say were key to it joining. LIVESTREAM: Tune in for a very special announcement at the Belgian Grand Prix as Audi reveal 2026 F1 entry plans Audi – who are part of the Volkswagen Group – added that it also supports F1’s plans to be more sustainable and cost efficient, with a cost cap for power unit manufacturers introduced in 2023 and F1 setting a target of being Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
“I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula 1, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, who worked for Volkswagen for a stint starting in 2014. “This is a major moment for our sport that highlights the huge strength we have as a global platform that continues to grow. Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann and Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann reveal Audi’s liveried showcar in the pit lane at Spa Audi announced its entry for 2026 at a press conference at Spa, ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, which featured Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann, Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
- The manufacturer said they will announce a decision on which team they will be “lining up with in 2026 by the end of this year”.
- GALLERY: Check out Audi’s stunning livery as German manufacturer announces F1 entry for 2026 Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg will be where the power unit is developed, marking the first time in more than a decade that F1 powertrain will be built in Germany.
“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” said Duesmann. “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory. The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry.
With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.” Domenicali on Audi’s announcement: ‘It’s a great day for F1’ Hoffmann added: “In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1.
Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.” Audi say there are already test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing in their Neuburg base.
They are currently working on getting personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure in place by the end of the year. They will then have three years to finetune the PU before entering F1. Adam Baker, who has held several senior positions for manufacturers and teams in motorsport while also spending three years at the FIA, will run the Formula 1 project as CEO.
REACTION: Audi to join Formula 1 in 2026
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Who will replace Hamilton at Mercedes in 2022?
As part of the 2022 sporting regulations teams are obliged to run rookie drivers in two FP1 sessions across the season. World champion outfit Mercedes will give its first FP1 slot of the year to its test and reserve driver De Vries, who will sample the team’s W13 at Paul Ricard on Friday.
In Mercedes’ preview on this weekend, team principal Toto Wolff said: “Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend, as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year. “So, we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on.” De Vries will therefore get his second grand prix weekend outing, after making his GP debut this year when he replaced Alex Albon at Williams during Spanish Grand Prix FP1.
The Dutchman also featured for Mercedes in the 2020 and 2021 Abu Dhabi Young Driver tests. De Vries is the reigning Formula E champion, taking the title for Mercedes last year alongside fellow Mercedes reserve Stoffel Vandoorne, The 27-year-old is currently placed eighth in this Formula E season’s driver standings. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W13 Photo by: Alessio Morgese Mercedes heads to France, the penultimate round before the summer break, on the back of a strong performance in the Austrian Grand Prix, in which Hamilton took a third consecutive podium ahead of teammate George Russell fourth.
It led to Red Bull’s Christian Horner tipping Mercedes to be in the mix at Le Castellet as well as they are “bringing themselves back into the game”. After solving most of its dreaded bouncing issues, Wolff says the team is now building momentum after a “mammoth effort”. “We scored three podiums in the first seven races, and we have now achieved four in the last four,” Wolff added.
“I’m pleased with the momentum we are building, and it reflects the mammoth effort of the team. “Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results.” De Vries will be joined in FP1 by Polish veteran Robert Kubica, who takes over Valterri Bottas’ Alfa Romeo.
Mercedes missing 0.2-0.3s in F1 performance to Ferrari, Red Bull Norris: Russell has had to get more serious at Mercedes F1
Is Hamilton staying with Mercedes 2022?
Lewis Hamilton plans to continue racing beyond end of current Mercedes deal
- Seven-time world champion on Thursday said he did not plan on retiring from Formula One any time soon.
- The Briton, who races for Mercedes, signed a two-year contract with the Brackley-based team last year keeping him at the outfit until the end of 2023 at least.
- Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton said he would race beyond the end of that deal.
“I plan on staying longer,” Hamilton said at the Suzuka circuit, adding he definitely wanted to remain with Mercedes in some role for life. “It’s just not set in stone how long.” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in an interview with Channel 4 that aired over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend said Hamilton, who turns 38 in January, had told him he could go on for another five years.
- Hamilton’s run of four successive titles came to an end last year when Red Bull rival Max Verstappen denied him an unprecedented eighth championship on the last lap of a controversial season finale.
- The 37-year-old hasn’t been in the hunt this year and is still searching for his first win to add to his record 103-victory career haul, with Mercedes having been caught out by the rule changes introduced this season.
- Hamilton, a vocal advocate of environmental causes, human rights, social justice, equality and diversity said his main motivation behind continuing would remain fighting for wins and championships.
- But he also wanted to carry on so he could continue to make the sport more inclusive.
- “There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done in this sport,” said Hamilton.
- “I can’t retire now because I’m only just embarking in helping shift and create a more open and inclusive environment here in this sport and I’ve got to stay to help that continue.”
: Lewis Hamilton plans to continue racing beyond end of current Mercedes deal
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Will Petronas sponsor Mercedes in 2022?
Mercedes and Petronas have announced an extension to their title sponsorship deal that will see the Malaysian oil company work with the eight-time constructors’ champions beyond 2026 – and supply the Silver Arrows with sustainable fuel. Petronas’ title sponsorship began in 2010, when the Mercedes F1 team was formed after a buyout of Brawn GP, and on Wednesday the company announced they will continue sponsoring the reigning constructors’ champions when the new era of F1 power units is implemented in 2026.
- Crucially, the oil company will develop the sustainable fuel needed for the next generation of F1 power units,
- READ MORE: Mercedes report 89% reduction in CO2 freight emissions after Spa-Zandvoort-Monza biofuels truck trial “Today we are doing something a little bit unusual – announcing a partnership that will begin in four years’ time.
This sends an important message: our team and Petronas are no longer just partners, we are family, and we will be one team for many more years to come,” said Toto Wolff Team Principal. “From 2026, advanced sustainable fuel will be at the heart of F1 performance – and this gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in this domain, through both the power unit and Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions.
“We are excited to be racing into the future alongside Petronas, with the ambition to set the standard once again, in our on-track performance and by pioneering the transition of a global sports team to a net-zero future.” From 2026, Formula 1’s power units will not unly use 100% sustainable fuels but deploy three times the electrical power and be far more environmentally responsible.
Petronas are also working on supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel from 2027. READ MORE: More efficient, less fuel, and carbon net zero – 7 things you need to know about the 2026 F1 engine regulations “We are already on track with developing a greenfield biorefinery and co-processing at our facilities to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a cleaner and more viable option for aircrafts in our effort to support the aviation industry needs,” said CEO of Petronas Downstream, Datuk Sazali.
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