F1

German manufacturer Audi will join the Formula 1 World Championship from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier.

A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.” Audi say there are already test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing in their Neuburg base. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.” We are all looking forward to seeing the Audi logo on the grid and will be hearing further details from them on their plans in due course.” “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

Live commentary and updates on Friday practice for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

Bottas also set for a big drop— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) [Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-to-try-new-mercedes-f1-floor-as-porpoising-questions-remain/10358214/) [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-to-join-f1-title-rival-leclerc-at-back-of-belgian-gp-grid/10358206/) [https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/](https://autosport.com/all/news/f1-belgian-gp-sainz-leads-ferrari-1-2-in-interrupted-fp1/10358237/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that Audi's arrival alongside fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche will only make the sport tougher.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Championship rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc take grid penalties for exceeding their power unit parts allocation this weekend.

The final starting order of all six will be influenced by their performance in qualifying. [Live: 2022 Belgian Grand Prix second practice](https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/26/live-2022-belgian-grand-prix-second-practice/) [Sainz leads Ferrari one-two as rain ends first practice early at Spa](https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/26/sainz-leads-ferrari-one-two-as-rain-ends-first-practice-early-at-spa/) [Verstappen, Leclerc and four others to take power unit change penalties at Spa](https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/26/verstappen-leclerc-and-four-others-to-take-power-unit-change-penalties-at-spa/) [2022 Belgian Grand Prix practice in pictures](https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/26/2022-belgian-grand-prix-practice-in-pictures/) [Live: 2022 Belgian Grand Prix first practice](https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/26/live-2022-belgian-grand-prix-first-practice/) [Browse all 2022 Belgian Grand Prix articles](/category/2022-f1-season/2022-f1-calendar/2022-belgian-grand-prix/) They will therefore line up in front of the three other penalised drivers.

Carlos Sainz headed a Ferrari 1-2 in first free practice for Formula 1's Belgium Grand Prix, as teammate Charles Leclerc beat Max Verstappen to second.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Audi has suggested that there will be no collaboration on the power unit front with fellow Volkswagen affiliate Porsche.

"And the others have powertrains that work already. And I think we will be able to develop this power train also by 2026." And we love the challenge.

Audi says its decision to build a different engine to fellow VW Group manufacturer Porsche for its Formula 1 entry was made to help better integration with ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Follow all the action during second practice this afternoon as the Belgian Grand Prix weekend gets underway and F1 returns.

The future of the race staged at the iconic [Spa-Francorchamps](https://indy-cms-prod.brightsites.co.uk/topic/spa-francorchamps) venue – last year cancelled after just two rain-hit laps behind the safety car – is mired in doubt as [F1](https://indy-cms-prod.brightsites.co.uk/topic/f1) chiefs continue to expand the sport’s schedule. Lando Norris, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher also take penalties for the race! [Lewis Hamilton given chance for first win of 2022 as rivals dealt grid penalties](https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-lewis-hamilton-belgian-grand-prix-b2153643.html) Only two women have ever competed in Formula 1: Italian racers Maria Teresa de Filippis in the 1950s and Lella Lombardi competed in 12 races throughout the mid-1970s. We are very happy with the collaboration with Formula W.” However, it is unclear if the Kyalami venue, last used by F1 19 years ago, will be up to scratch for next season, handing a potential reprieve to Spa. Depending on how the penalties unravel, Verstappen and Leclerc will start somewhere in the final quarter of the 20-man grid for Sunday’s 44-lap race at Spa-Francorchamps. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Formula One](https://indy-cms-prod.brightsites.co.uk/topic/formula-one) boss Stefano Domenicali says the [Belgian Grand Prix](https://indy-cms-prod.brightsites.co.uk/topic/belgian-grand-prix) could survive the chop from next season’s calendar. That’s it for FP2! However, Verstappen and Leclerc are among six drivers who have taken power unit penalties for this weekend, meaning they will start at the back of the grid for Sunday’s race. it’s one of those historic races,” Horner said.

Alfa Romeo is to end its Formula 1 partnership with Sauber from the end of next season, the Italian manufacturer announced on Friday.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following ...

Meanwhile, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will take on new gearbox cases and cassettes, while Verstappen, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will change their gearbox driveline, gearchange and auxiliary components beyond their allocations. Verstappen, Norris, Ocon and Bottas will have new internal combustion engines, turbochargers and MGU-Hs - taking them above and beyond their limit for the season – while Verstappen, Ocon and Leclerc will also be penalised for taking on new MGU-Ks and, in Leclerc’s case, a new energy store. A host of drivers, including title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following power unit element changes on their cars.

Audi says it will make a final decision on its Formula 1 partner team by the end of the year amid links to a tie-up with Sauber.

And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid… But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? After a difficult start to Formula 1's ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary.

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc will be starting from the back at Spa-Francorchamps with both drivers receiving penalties. SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 25: ...

Sainz and Perez, meanwhile, have a golden opportunity to prove that they are capable of taking advantage of their respective team-mates lowly starting positions. At a circuit like this where you can overtake it’s going to be fascinating to see how it plays out.” - Esteban Ocon – +2.437 - George Russell – +1.535 - Lando Norris – +1.082 Current world champion Verstappen went significantly faster than anybody else in the second session on Friday. The Magnussen red flag cost both men their second quick run on the soft tyres, though, while Sainz was able to go again, meaning the deficit was likely exaggerated. - Esteban Ocon – +3.777 - Lando Norris – +2.932 - George Russell – +0.858 Sainz delivered an impressive lap which preceded a red flag period caused by a mechanical failure for Haas’ Kevin Magnussen as a rain shower hampered the final stages. Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo, Haas’ Mick Schumacher, McLaren driver Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon in the Alpine are also taking penalties.

Max Verstappen topped the times on Friday for Red Bull ahead of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. Here's how and when to watch qualifying.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Fellow Volkswagen brand Porsche said earlier this year it would also rejoin F1, although the brand has yet to make a formal announcement. Porsche chief Oliver ...

[Purchase a Print subscription for 11,12 € per week You will be billed 107,91 € per month after the trial ends](https://subs.ft.com/spa3_uk3m?segmentId=461cfe95-f454-6e0b-9f7b-0800950bef25&utm_us=JJIBAX&utm_eu=WWIBEAX&utm_ca=JJIBAZ&utm_as=FIBAZ&ft-content-uuid=8db4d1ea-6060-4d90-a8a4-d4b0cc8df9f3) [Purchase a Digital subscription for 6,64 € per week You will be billed 39 € per month after the trial ends](https://subs.ft.com/spa3_digital?ft-content-uuid=8db4d1ea-6060-4d90-a8a4-d4b0cc8df9f3) [Purchase a Trial subscription for 1 € for 4 weeks You will be billed 65 € per month after the trial ends](/signup?offerId=41218b9e-c8ae-c934-43ad-71b13fcb4465&ft-content-uuid=8db4d1ea-6060-4d90-a8a4-d4b0cc8df9f3)

The FIA will impose changes at Spa, despite objections from teams concerned the decision may have an effect on the competitive order.

In the equation the force is converted into a value of energy and sets the limit of the energy that cannot be exceeded for every 100km. On the track in practice Carlos Sainz was quickest for Ferrari in a rain-interrupted first hour. Red Bull and Ferrari, of course, objected but the FIA has stuck to its guns. Porpoising is a violent, vertical jarring caused by a stall in the aerodynamics; the similar but different issue of bouncing is caused by the low ride heights smashing the car into the ground over uneven track surfaces. The issue that has dominated the season is that of cars “porpoising” and bouncing on the track under the new regulations. The results will be seen this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps but should not detract from what has been a steadfast commitment to put driver safety first.

AUDI has announced it will enter Formula 1 as a powertrain manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Instead of designing a new hub in Germany, the team instead decided to remain in their UK base. An Audi statement read: “The project will be based at Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg near Ingolstadt. The iconic car brand revealed all of its power trains will be built in Germany, unlike the Silver Arrows who develop their car in the UK.

The automotive giant's arrival is perfect for motorsport's big vision, but will come at a cost for traditional racing teams. Audi's F1 concept car in ...

What has become clear, therefore, is that while huge global manufacturers are being welcomed into F1 with open arms because of the commercial and technological advantages, those wanting to take part for the sheer racing thrill are being turned away. Since then, Andretti has talked up its chances of joining F1 as an entirely new squad in public on a number of occasions, but its proposal has been given short shrift by team bosses and the sport itself. For Volkswagen, 2026 is the perfect time to join F1 for one key reason – that is the season the series will adopt its new engine regulations, which will be its most efficient and environmentally friendly ever. The power of that possibility was highlighted by F1 in its Audi reveal. In essence, then, two enormous household motoring names will join the F1 grid in a little over three year’s time, but the field will not expand beyond its current number of 10 teams. Though the Audi announcement was light on detail, they are understood to have agreed a deal to take over the Sauber team which has competed in F1 since 1993 and currently runs under the Alfa Romeo name, thanks to a sponsorship agreement with the Italian manufacturer.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the arrivals in F1 of Audi and Porsche will only make the sport tougher for all competitors.

It has been, and it's just going to get tougher with these guys coming." "I think when you see who has joined F1 in terms of automotive companies, and the very best brands in their sector outside of automotive, it shows the strength of the sport. So I think that it's brilliant for F1.

Everything you need to know as F1 returns at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix.

[Sebastian Vettel](/topic/sebastian-vettel) - 16 points Nico Hulkenberg - 0 points Nicholas Latifi - 0 points [Lewis Hamilton](/topic/lewis-hamilton) - 146 points [Carlos Sainz](/topic/carlos-sainz) - 156 points Highlights will be aired on Channel 4; for qualifying and the race at 6:30pm (BST) on Saturday and Sunday respectively. [Hungarian Grand Prix](/topic/hungarian-grand-prix) a month ago after a dominant performance as the Belgian-Dutch stormed through the field from P10. Pierre Gasly - 16 points However, Verstappen and Leclerc are among six drivers who have [taken power unit penalties for this weekend,](/f1/max-verstappen-red-bull-charles-leclerc-lewis-hamilton-george-russell-b2153377.html) meaning they will start at the back of the grid for Sunday’s race. [George Russell](/topic/george-russell) - 158 points [Sergio Perez](/topic/sergio-perez) - 173 points This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Formula 1 chiefs are confident the championship can escape the previous boom and bust manufacturer cycles in the wake of the arrival of Audi and Porsche.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

The move ties in with a potential acquisition of shares by Audi as early as next year, removing the possibility of Alfa Romeo logos being on a car that is ...

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Follow all the action in third practice and qualifying as F1 returns at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Alex Albon is the best of the rest in fifth, with Hamilton all the way down in 13th. George Russell is struggling to get temperature into his tyres early on here - the same issue he was complaining about yesterday. Highlights will be aired on Channel 4; for qualifying and the race at 6:30pm (BST) on Saturday and Sunday respectively. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. Sergio Perez went fastest in FP3 on Saturday; qualifying takes place at 3pm (BST). This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. All cars on softs now so the order could well change... [McLaren](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/mclaren) at the end of this season [was announced on Wednesday](https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/daniel-ricciardo-mclaren-contract-oscar-piastri-b2151711.html), with the team paying out £8.5m to terminate Ricciardo’s contract a year early. However, Verstappen and Leclerc are among six drivers who have [taken power unit penalties for this weekend,](/f1/max-verstappen-red-bull-charles-leclerc-lewis-hamilton-george-russell-b2153377.html) meaning they will start at the back of the grid for Sunday’s race. F1 qualifying - Belgian Grand Prix: FP3 - Verstappen, Perez, Sainz F1 qualifying - Belgian Grand Prix: FP3 - Perez, Verstappen, Sainz

Live commentary and updates on Saturday practice and qualifying for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

[Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/) [thinks Mercedes is a "long way off"](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-a-long-way-off-at-spa-says-hamilton/10358451/)at the Belgian GP, with he and George Russell finishing sixth and eighth in FP2 yesterday [Audi to enter Formula 1 from 2026](/f1/video/audi-to-enter-formula-1-from-2026/580127/) [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren. Summary

Sergio Perez led a Red Bull 1-2 in final practice ahead of Formula 1's 2022 Belgian Grand Prix as Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc spun into the wall.

But as the 2022 season prepares to roar back into life, who stacks up as the top of the class, and who must do better? Now, as OLEG KARPOV explains, he’s got to do it all over again just to preserve his place in Formula 1 after the shock news of his departure from McLaren… Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season.

Live commentary and updates on Saturday practice and qualifying for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

[Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.autosport.com/driver/daniel-ricciardo/829602/)’s early split from [McLaren](https://www.autosport.com/team/mclaren/36473/) at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week. [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alpine-eyes-gasly-as-marko-lines-up-herta-for-alphatauri-f1-role/10358913/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alpine-eyes-gasly-as-marko-lines-up-herta-for-alphatauri-f1-role/10358913/) [https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/](https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-belgian-gp-perez-tops-final-practice-as-leclerc-crashes/10358835/) [Audi to enter Formula 1 from 2026](/f1/video/audi-to-enter-formula-1-from-2026/580124/) Summary [Max Verstappen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/max-verstappen/829269/) leads the F1 world drivers’ championship by 80 points over [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/) thanks to back-to-back wins in France and Hungary before the summer break. With [Fernando Alonso](https://www.autosport.com/driver/fernando-alonso/829156/) heading to Aston Martin to replace the retiring [Sebastian Vettel](https://www.autosport.com/driver/sebastian-vettel/829234/) in 2023, attention turns to Oscar Piastri and whether he will end up at [Alpine](https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/) or McLaren.

Qualifying for the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix is about to start. Will it be the World Championship leader Max Verstappen on pole position in his Red Bull, ...

This could be the final qualifying session to ever take place in Belgium. This resulted in Russell claiming P1 for the first time. [Red Bull Racing](/en/f1-teams/red-bull-racing) and Verstappen top the standings, Leclerc and Ferrari have had the upper hand when it comes to qualifying.