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.

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.

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.

The FIA has revealed which drivers have been given grid penalties at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were already ...

Starting from P15 or from twentieth and last place makes quite a difference, so despite the grid penalties, there is still something to fight for in qualifying for these six drivers. [FIA](/en/brands/fia) has revealed which drivers have been given grid penalties at this weekend's [Belgian Grand Prix](/en/grandsprix/belgian-gp). [Lando Norris](/en/f1-drivers/lando-norris) and [Esteban Ocon](/en/f1-drivers/esteban-ocon), on behalf of [McLaren](/en/f1-teams/mclaren) and Alpine respectively, have also decided to fit other engine parts.

There are already test benches in place for F1 engines, and plans are being put together to expand the personnel and infrastructure for the Audi F1 project by ...

It’s 13 down, nine to go as the Formula 1 teams pause for breath in the summer break. 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.

On Friday morning, Audi announced that it will be seen in Formula 1 from 2026. According to Auto Motor und Sport the next announcement won't have to be long ...

According to AMuS, Audi and Porsche are not the only ones involved. [Volkswagen](/en/brands/volkswagen) Group that wants to enter Formula 1. Now that Alfa Romeo has announced that they will stop as title sponsor and partner of Sauber after 2023, a takeover of Sauber seems the most logical step for Audi.

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.

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.

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 slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the ...

Formal confirmation of the penalties by the FIA is expected later on Friday. Verstappen holds an 80-point lead over Leclerc for the driver title, and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez is just five points behind the Ferrari driver in third. A slew of Formula One drivers, including title contenders Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after being dealt penalties on Friday.

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 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.

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.

The Belgian Grand Prix weekend has kicked off and with the second free practice session the most important practice session is scheduled. Follow FP2 for the ...

However, from the paddock, there is a lot of support for the race. With new organisations also wanting to organise a GP, the position of countries like Belgium is coming under pressure. Follow FP2 for the

Max Verstappen will join Formula 1 title rival Charles Leclerc at the back of the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix after power unit changes.

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.

Reports that the fabled Spa-Francorchamps will lose its Formula 1 race after this weekend's Belgian GP are premature.

But I said to the people in Monza, 'don't rely on history alone'. "We would like a race in Africa, and South Africa is the most obvious place," said Domenicali. The negotiations with Belgium are still going on. "I read somewhere that it will be the last time in Belgium," he told international F1 journalists ahead of this weekend's race. [Webber's 300km/h assault, Schumacher left in the air... "Although there is a lot of demand, I don't want more than 24.

Audi are coming to Formula 1 from 2026, adding a new chapter to their illustrious motorsport history. F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto delves into the ...

Helpfully for Audi, they aren’t starting from scratch. The increased electrical power and move to develop 100% sustainable fuels were key factors in attracting them to sign on the dotted line. And according to Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Audi will be making a bigger investment in F1 than they have done in any other motorsport series – Audi have 13 overall Le Mans 24 Hours wins – because they are planning to be in F1 for the long term. And while no other manufacturers are believed to be imminently making an entry, it is hoped the new regulations – coupled with Audi’s commitment, and thus belief in the new rules – could lead to more joining in the future. [RE-WATCH: Tune into a very special press conference as Audi announce F1 entry for 2026](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.livestream-tune-in-for-a-very-special-announcement-at-the-belgian-grand-prix.3afSDmOheQ33KiwWj5kjaj.html) There are already test benches for F1 engine, electric motor and battery testing in their German base in Neuburg – where the F1 PU project will run out of – and they are hopeful their personnel, buildings and technical infrastructure will be in place by the end of the year. As it stands, Audi have informed the FIA and Formula 1 that their entry is as a power unit supplier – but they intend to confirm which team they will line up with “by the end of the year”. [READ MORE: ‘It’s perfect timing due to the new rules’ – Audi boss explains why they joined F1](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-perfect-timing-due-to-the-new-rules-audi-boss-explains-why-they-joined.HM13VnGjrfTXfa6DQnbVY.html) But they won their first World Championship with Max Verstappen last year, and while they left the sport at the end of 2021, Red Bull Powertrains are still utilising their technology, which is proving to be title-contending – so that should give Audi hope. The reason for the split announcement, say Audi, is because there is a longer lead time to get a power unit project in place and they are still working out which F1 team they are going to partner with. [READ MORE: Audi to join Formula 1 from 2026](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-audi-to-join-formula-1-from-2026.yr9pFVd5nSQBbZ7EZZDLJ.html) Audi and the wider Volkswagen Group have had their eye on an entry into Formula 1 for several years now but were keen for changes to the rules to make it viable.

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.

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 ...

It’s 13 down, nine to go as the Formula 1 teams pause for breath in the summer break. 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.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosts the 14th round of the 2022 Formula 1 season this weekend on August 26-28. Here's how and when you can 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? 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. Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

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.

With qualifying fast approaching, here's all you need to know about the schedule for the remainder of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

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

Follow the third F1 free practice session for the Belgian GP live. Keep up to date with everything that happens during FP3 at Spa-Francorchamps.

In the blog, we will provide you with the latest developments during FP3 in Belgium. You can easily switch between live timing and the live blog via the tabs. Below you will find our dedicated live blog and live timing hub; the times refresh automatically during the session, so you are always up to date.

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.

Verstappen, Leclerc to battle for spot... at the back of the grid: F1 qualifying LIVE.

I think today was the worst of the weather.” That means they will start from the back of the field along with another four drivers who have chosen to switch to new engines for the Belgian race weekend. at the back of the grid: F1 qualifying LIVE

Lando Norris says he has no sympathy for Daniel Ricciardo's struggles to find form with the McLaren MCL36 Formula 1 car.

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. Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

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

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.

Oscar Piastri has put his reputation at risk and will be under a "huge amount of pressure" if he joins McLaren next season, while Daniel Ricciardo should ...

I don't know." But do you want to go back and try again?" But Oscar is a huge talent." "The best judge are Alpine, and he's already been testing there. If he goes to Haas, he's going to be loved. "I don't think Daniel was delivering what they wanted anyway," agreed Schiff. You want to go where you're loved. He is definitely one of those new generation who has proved how good he is." So while Alpine were still having conversations with Alonso and still keeping that seat for Alonso, Piastri's got to have his best interests at heart as well. That young man's development, going with Prema to give him a better chance of winning the Formula 2 championship, they have delivered absolutely everything. "As were the six tests he's had as well, 3500km of testing. Because you are walking away from the team that have nurtured you.

Following below was an old F1 car as the two appeared to be having a race down the long straight. The display was conducted by French inventor Franky Zapata who ...

He had to refuel the device halfway through the crossing by switching backpacks. Following below was an old F1 car as the two appeared to be having a race down the long straight. Zapata has some experience after having flown around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in 2019. The flyboarder requires a lot of concentration. Formula One fans were left stunned as a man was seen flying through the air just hours before qualifying. This is an area in which I feel comfortable with the flyboarder.

The FIA has clarified why Charles Leclerc will receive a back of the grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix despite a potential loophole in the Formula 1 ...

It’s 13 down, nine to go as the Formula 1 teams pause for breath in the summer break. 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? Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties.

The Belgian GP stewards have explained why Charles Leclerc will have to start from the back of the grid following a series of grid penalties.

[Valtteri Bottas](/valtteri-bottas/) will also be penalised 20 places on the grid following this afternoon’s qualifying session: 15 places for exceeding power unit components and a further five places for exceeding gearbox allocations. The competitor subsequently changed the control electronics and the stewards published a separate decision (document 31) imposing a five grid place penalty. Initially, despite Leclerc accumulating a total penalty of 20 places, the stewards did not rule that he would be made to start from the back of the grid. The stewards published a decision (document 14) which imposed a fifteen grid penalty. Leclerc was not among those originally issued a ‘back of the grid’ penalty yesterday, despite collecting a total grid drop of 20 places on Friday. Under Article 28.3 of the Sporting Regulations, any driver who incurs “a penalty exceeding 15 grid places..