Audi and bp have announced a significant new strategic partnership as Audi prepares to enter Formula 1 in 2026. This collaboration comes as the sport introduces revolutionary FIA F1 Technical Regulations focusing on enhanced electrification and the use of Advanced Sustainable fuel. The partnership leverages the technical expertise and innovative drive of both companies to shape the future of motorsport.
Under the agreement, bp, along with its specialist lubricants business Castrol, will support Audi’s ambitions in Formula 1 by co-engineering bp fuels and Castrol lubricants to optimize the performance of the Audi F1 Power Unit. The collaboration has been in the works for nearly two years, focusing on developing the FIA-defined Advanced Sustainable fuel that must achieve at least a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-derived petrol.
In addition to fuel development, bp will supply Audi with a range of bespoke Castrol lubricants and greases, including Castrol EDGE, for the V6 turbo engine. The electrical components of the Audi F1 Power Unit will benefit from the Castrol ON range of EV fluids.
The partnership extends beyond technical cooperation, with bp becoming the first official partner of the future Audi factory team in Formula 1. This long-term sponsorship includes marketing and branding rights for bp, Castrol, and Aral (bp’s leading fuel and retail brand in Germany).
Audi and bp share a storied history in motorsport, with Castrol products contributing to Audi’s success in various competitions since the 1980s, including the World Rally Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, Le Mans 24 Hours, FIA World Rallycross Championship, FIA Formula E World Championship, and DTM race series. The highly efficient 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine developed by Audi and used in the DTM in 2019 and 2020 was the most successful engine in the Class 1 era of the DTM, thanks to Castrol lubricants and high-performance fuel developed by Aral.
Andreas Seidl, CEO of the Audi F1 team, expressed his enthusiasm: “Audi and bp have always worked together successfully in motorsport. We are delighted to 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 fuels and lubricants. This is a perfect match and a strong signal for Audi’s future F1 factory team.”
Nicola Buck, SVP marketing at bp, added: “We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with bp and Castrol 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, seeking to innovate and unlock maximum engine performance for the Audi F1 Power Unit from 2026.”
Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, emphasized the partnership’s importance: “There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026. 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. We are well advanced with Audi’s F1 power unit development and use all three single-cylinder test benches allowed by the FIA regulations intensively for fuel development. I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with bp and Castrol.”
As the 2026 season approaches, Audi and bp’s partnership promises to be a driving force in achieving new heights in Formula 1, combining technology, innovation, and sustainability.
