There's no hurry for Audi, the second "new entry" among manufacturers since 2026, together with Porsche. The entry of the two famous German manufacturers will bring added value to Formula 1, which is constantly growing. The priority for the new entrants, however, was to start work on the new units as soon as possible, while for the FIA to ensure that they had the right protection as "new" or "partially new" motorists.
However, according to what was reported by a spokesman for the brand with the four rings, Audi will enter the Circus with a delay on the schedule, due to theapproval of regulation for the new generation of Power Units that arrived only on August 16th. In the middle of the summer break, around two months after the date initially set by the FIA Council.
Skip everything
Consequently the plans of Audi and Porsche have also been postponed, who is preparing to enter alongside the Red Bull, with a 50% partnership. The partnership between Red Bull and Porsche, however, is already a done deal although it has not yet been announced. The agreement provides for a real assembly line with an equitable division of labor: Red Bull engaged in the creation of the thermal part of the PU, leaving the electrical part to Porsche. A rather shrewd move also considering that the German brand boasts considerable experience in Formula E.

Audi Wait
If Porsche seems ready to formalize everything before the ultimatum of August 31st, Audi intends to move not before having carefully studied all the rules concerning the new engines.
"Now we will examine the regulations in detail, we do not expect an immediate decision - said the Audi spokesman joined by Sky Germany. If he doesn't do it by the 31st, he could still request a derogation given the FIA's delay in defining the regulation.
“The rules were approved during the summer break, with the Audi board of directors on vacation as well as those who have the final decision. Furthermore, as far as we know, the power unit manufacturers' registration process for the 2026 season has not yet been launched by the FIA."
An ambitious future
As far as Audi's final destination is concerned, the intention is to arrive in the Circus more than as a simple supplier. In fact, there is talk of a double possibility to enter with a real team: it could do so by taking over Sauber or as an eleventh team.
Source statements: FormulaPassion