Audi: 'We do not actively seek a customer team partnership'

The year 2026 - when the new engine regulations take effect - is drawing ever closer. It is still unknown from a number of Formula 1 teams which engine supplier they will partner with. McLaren, Williams, Haas and Aston Martin have an important decision to make. In any case, they do not seem to have to rely on one supplier.

Williams have a watertight agreement with Mercedes until the end of 2025, after that everything is open. Aston Martin also have a Mercedes power unit in the back of their cars. Since Mercedes have a stake in the British car brand, an extension of the contract beyond 2026 seems logical. Haas have maintained a strong relationship with Ferrari since their inception.

Intermediate year

McLaren's contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2024. When the commitment was made, both parties reported that it was until "at least the end of 2024". In the interim year of 2025, a new, one-year contract with Mercedes is the obvious choice, with a possible switch to another supplier in 2026.

Last week, it was revealed that Honda - who have no deal with a team for 2026 and beyond - and McLaren are testing the waters. It is possible these exploratory talks will lead to a new partnership. Remarkable, given that both parties parted ways after a very unsuccessful period at the end of 2017 with some drama.

Audi will also report on the grid in 2026 when the Germans take over Sauber's team. The option of taking a power unit from Audi as a customer team does not seem possible in advance for Williams, McLaren, Haas and Aston Martin.

"The partnership will see the experienced Swiss racing team competing as an Audi factory team from 2026 onwards and using the power unit developed by Audi", an Audi spokesperson said when asked by GPblog whether the German brand would like to supply engines to customer teams? "Above this, we do not actively seek a customer team partnership at the moment. We focus on our works program."