Audi and BP join forces in a wide-ranging new strategic partnership in Formula 1. Audi are preparing to enter F1 in 2026, featuring new FIA technical regulations. The next generation of F1 cars will feature more electrified engines and fully sustainable fuel. BP’s combined technical expertise and drive for innovation will be instrumental in helping shape the future of motorsport.
The two giants have been working closely together for almost two years. They have co-designed BP fuels and Castrol lubricants to enable the maximum performance of the Audi engine that will officially enter F1 in 2026.
Specifically, BP is developing and will supply Audi with a range of bespoke Castrol lubricants. This will include Castrol EDGE, the British company’s most advanced engine oil, for the turbocharged V6 engine. Meanwhile, the German Power Unit’s electrical components will benefit from Castrol ON’s range of EV fluids.
BP AND CASTROL NOT ONLY TECHNICAL PARTNERS BUT ALSO SPONSORS OF THE OFFICIAL AUDI F1 TEAM
Therefore, the British company will end its technical collaboration with Alpine and switch to Audi in 2026. To further strengthen the technical cooperation, the companies have also agreed on a long-term sponsorship. This agreement makes BP the first official partner of the future Audi Formula 1 team.
This will include marketing and branding rights for Castrol and Aral, BP’s leading fuel and retail brands in Germany.
“Audi and BP have always worked together successfully in motorsport. We are delighted to be able to bring this special partnership to Formula 1 as well. Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, and BP and Castrol also aspire to provide the best technologies in the field of fuels and lubricants,” said Andreas Seidl, CEO of Audi F1 team.
“This is a perfect match. Being able to establish this partnership at such an early stage is a strong signal for the future of our team. We perceive the attractiveness of the Audi F1 project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1. ”
Audi build partnerships ahead of 2026
Audi and BP already have a long and successful history together in motorsport. Castrol products are already being used to win in the German giant’s factory programmes. It all started in the 1980s in the World Rally Championship with the Audi Quattro. Castrol was also Audi’s partner in theWorld Endurance Championship (WEC), the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula E.
Audi’s highly efficient two-litre four-cylinder turbo engine was in DTM in 2019 and 2020. It became the most successful engine in the Class 1 era of the DTM. They used Castrol lubricants and high-performance fuel developed by Aral.
“We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with BP and Castrol, this time for their entry into Formula 1. This gives our premium brands the opportunity to showcase our technical expertise at the pinnacle of motorsport,” said Nicola Buck, SVP of Marketing at BP.
“We are already making great progress with the Audi F1 Project on developing BP fuel and Castrol lubricants as we look to innovate and unlock maximum engine performance.”
The ongoing battle among engine manufacturers centres on the next generation of fuels. They will be integral for the 2026 engines.
“This partnership is of great importance to us because 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,” said Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH.
“The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimised by developing the engine in combination with its own fuel. That’s why in Audi Formula Racing, where we are very advanced with the development of the Audi F1 power unit. We are intensively using all three single-cylinder test benches permitted by the FIA regulations for fuel development.
“It’s impressive how many different fuel variants we have developed as we prepare for our 2026 race season. And we are happy and confident that we have made the perfect choice with BP and Castrol.”
