Audi has announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance with BP as they prepare to make their highly anticipated entry in F1 2026.
The comprehensive partnership will see BP and its specialized lubricants division, Castrol, provide Audi with meticulously crafted products tailored to meet the new engine regulations set to be implemented in F1 2026.
Audi has revealed that they have been working closely with BP for nearly two years, co-engineering bp fuels and Castrol lubricants to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
A key aspect of this collaboration is the development of the FIA-specified Advanced Sustainable Fuel, which is mandated by the FIA Technical Regulations from F1 2026.
This fuel must achieve a minimum of 65% greenhouse gas emissions savings compared to traditional fossil-derived petrol, demonstrating the commitment of both companies to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In addition to the fuel, BP will also create and supply Audi with a range of exclusive Castrol lubricants and greases, including the renowned Castrol EDGE, Castrol’s most technologically advanced engine oil, designed specifically for the V6 turbo engine.
The electrical components of the Audi F1 Power Unit will benefit from the Castrol ON range of EV fluids, ensuring optimal performance and protection.
Expanding beyond the technical partnership, Audi and bp have also agreed to a long-term sponsorship arrangement, with bp becoming the first official partner of Audi’s future Formula 1 factory team. This partnership will grant bp, Castrol, and Aral brands (Aral being bp’s leading fuel and retail brand in Germany) exclusive marketing and branding rights.
The two companies share a rich history of successful collaborations in motorsport, dating back to the 1980s when Castrol products were instrumental in Audi’s victories in the World Rally Championship with the iconic Audi quattro.
This partnership has continued to thrive, with Castrol supporting Audi in various prestigious racing series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, FIA World Rallycross Championship, FIA Formula E World Championship, and the DTM race series.
“Audi and BP have always worked together successfully in motorsport,” Audi F1 team CEO Andreas Seidl said. “We are delighted that we can 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 the field of fuels and lubricants. This is a perfect match. It is a strong signal for Audi’s future F1 factory team that we have been able to establish this partnership at such an early stage.
“We sense the appeal of the Audi F1 Project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1.”
The highly efficient 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine developed by Audi and used in the DTM in 2019 and 2020 became the most successful engine in the Class 1 era of the DTM, thanks in part to the use of 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,” bp SVP marketing Nicola Buck said. “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 as we seek to innovate and unlock maximum engine performance for the Audi F1 Power Unit from 2026.”
Adam Baker, CEO Audi Formula Racing GmbH added: “This partnership is of great importance to us. 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.
“The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimized by developing the engine in combination with the fuel properties.
“That’s why at Audi Formula Racing where we are well advanced with Audi’s F1 power unit development, we use all three single-cylinder test benches allowed by the FIA regulations intensively for fuel development.
“It is impressive how many different fuel variants we have developed to date as we prepare for our 2026 race season. I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with bp and Castrol.”
