Audi teamed up with BP as it preps F1 entry

BP Plc (LSE:BP) on Monday announced a strategic partnership with Audi for the German car brand’s upcoming entry to F1 racing, in the 2026 season.

It sees the oil company become the first official partner of the future Audi team.

As part of the collaboration, BP will develop FIA compliant advanced sustainable fuel to for  Audi's F1 cars, while Castrol, the BP owned lubricants business, will develop high-performance lubricants and EV fluids for Audi's V6 turbo engine and electric motor.

BP and its subsidiary brands Castrol, and Aral, will have marketing and branding rights with the team.

Not only will 2026 see Audi join the F1 roster, it will also see new the start of an FIA rule mandating a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for the fuel used in F1 cars.

“Audi and bp have always worked together successfully in motorsport. We are delighted that we can take this special partnership to the next level in Formula 1,” said Andreas Seidl, chief executive of Audi F1.

“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.”