Audi and bp are set to redefine the future of Formula 1 as they embark on a groundbreaking partnership to accelerate the transition to sustainable motorsport.
The two global leaders have joined forces to develop cutting-edge technologies that will power Audi’s entry into the premier racing series in 2026.
Central to this collaboration is the joint development of Advanced Sustainable Fuel. In line with the FIA‘s ambitious target of a 65% greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared to fossil fuels, the German automaker and the oil and gas giant are at the forefront of creating a fuel that meets these stringent requirements but also maximizes performance. This technological leap forward has the potential to revolutionize not only F1 but also the wider automotive industry.
Beyond fuel, bp’s renowned Castrol brand will provide the four-ringed brand with a suite of high-performance lubricants and greases, tailored specifically for the demands of F1. From the V6 turbo engine to the electrical components of the power unit, Castrol’s expertise will be instrumental in optimizing performance and efficiency.
The partnership extends beyond the racetrack, with the energy conglomerate becoming the first official partner of the future Audi factory Formula 1 team. This strategic alliance will leverage the combined strengths of both companies to create innovative marketing and branding campaigns that resonate with fans worldwide.
Commenting on the groundbreaking association, Andreas Seidl, CEO Audi F1 team, said, “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. Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and bp and Castrol also aspire to deliver the best technologies in the field of fuels and lubricants. This is a perfect match. 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. We sense the appeal of the Audi F1 Project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1.”
Nicola Buck, SVP Marketing, bp, added, “We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with bp and Castrol, this time for their entry into Formula 1. It gives our premium brands the opportunity to showcase our technical expertise at the pinnacle of motorsport. We are already making great progress with the Audi F1 Project on the development of the bp fuel and Castrol lubricants as we seek to innovate and unlock maximum engine performance for the Audi F1 Power Unit from 2026.”
Adam Baker, CEO Audi Formula Racing GmbH, expressed, “This partnership is of great importance to us. There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026. In view of the high performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with bp as our partner. The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimized 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. I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with bp and Castrol.”
The Audi-bp alliance is built on a foundation of shared success in motorsport. Castrol products have been instrumental in Audi’s victories across various racing series, including the World Rally Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, FIA World Rallycross Championship, FIA Formula E World Championship, and the DTM race series.
This strategic collaboration signifies a major leap forward for both companies in their commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. It also underscores the growing importance of sustainable fuels and electrification in the automotive industry. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, Audi and bp are at the forefront, demonstrating that performance and sustainability can coexist on the racetrack and beyond.
bp, a British multinational oil and gas giant, has its headquarters in London. As one of the world’s largest energy companies, British Petroleum operates across the entire oil and gas value chain, from exploration and production to refining, distribution, and marketing. Committed to reimagining energy for a sustainable future, the leading oil and gas producer is actively transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and aims to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner.
Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is celebrated for its cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design. With a focus on performance, efficiency, and driver-centric technology, car producers offer a premium driving experience that resonates with automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Beyond motorsport, bp and Castrol have strong ties to the world of sports. They serve as an official performance partner to the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Mumbai Indians, and the Premier League (PL) club, Tottenham Hotspur. The German automotive manufacturer, on the other hand, recently partnered with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Inter Miami CF.