Audi will speed in Formula One starting in 2026 with a German-built engine. The Volkswagen group automaker has been in talks with Switzerland-based Sauber, which currently competes with Italy's Alfa Romeo.

From 2026, Formula One will feature new power units that focus more on sustainability, with F1's governing body Liberty Media aiming for the competition to be carbon-free by 2030.

"Formula One is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory," said Audi President Markus Duesmann quoted by "Reuters" at a press conference in Spa-Francorchamps, where the Belgian Grand Prix is being held this weekend.

Audi has created the Audi Sport unit especially for this project. The power unit will be built in Neuburg an der Donau near Audi's headquarters in Ingolstadt in the Bavarian lander.

Starting in 2026, power units will become increasingly electric and will switch to sustainable fuel. And starting next season, cost limits will be imposed on power unit manufacturers.

"The combination of high performance and competition always leads to more innovation and technology in our industry. With the new rules, now is the right time to get involved," added Audi's leader quoted by the newspaper Económico.

Porsche is also expected to enter Formula One in 2026. The German sports brand - which also belongs to the Volkswagen group - should soon announce its partnership with the current champion, Red Bull.