Leading car manufacturer Audi and multinational oil and gas company bp have announced a new strategic partnership in Formula 1 as Audi prepares to enter the sport in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new FIA F1 Technical Regulations that emphasize enhanced electrification and Advanced Sustainable fuel.
Under this partnership, bp and its specialist lubricants business, Castrol, will support Audi’s goal of combining technology and innovation for success in Formula 1. The collaboration includes developing the FIA-defined Advanced Sustainable fuel, which must achieve at least a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-derived petrol by 2026.
Additionally, bp will 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, and Castrol ON EV fluids for the electrical components of the Audi F1 Power Unit.
Adam Baker, CEO Audi Formula Racing GmbH, said, “There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026. Given the high performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with bp as our partner.”
He added, “The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimised by developing the engine in combination with the fuel properties. That’s why at Audi Formula Racing where we are well advanced with Audi’s F1 power unit development, we use all three single-cylinder test benches allowed by the FIA regulations intensively for fuel development. It is impressive how many different fuel variants we have developed to date as we prepare for our 2026 race season.”