Audi Gains Momentum in F1 with Acquisition of Tech Expert from Schumacher Era

Jan 16, 2024 03:20 AM EST

MAN DRIVING BLUE AUDI R8 ON STREET — (Photo : PEXELS/WAVYVISUALS)

Audi's momentum in F1 gains substantial traction with the acquisition of a seasoned tech expert, John Sutton, who will play a pivotal role in Audi's preparations for their 2026 entry into the sport. Audi is poised to join the competitive F1 grid in 2026, strategically aligning with the sport's forthcoming regulatory changes

Audi's F1 Entry, Blue Print: Hire Tech Expert

John Sutton, a distinguished figure in the realm of F1 technology, brings his wealth of expertise to Audi's 2026 F1 entry.

Sutton's remarkable journey led him to Audi Formula Racing GmbH in November 2023, following a successful stint as a freelance tech guru. Prior to this, he spent over a decade at McLaren Racing until 2020, leaving an indelible mark through innovations such as the instant-shift gearbox and pioneering work on the KERS hybrid boost system, a technology later embraced by F1 in 2009.

As Audi accelerates its preparations for the 2026 F1 season, the expertise of a tech luminary like Sutton promises to elevate their racing endeavors to new heights, making them a force to be reckoned with on the grid.

According to F1Briefings, Having a significant impact on the development of the active differential used in Nigel Mansell's championship-winning 1992 Williams FW14B, regarded as one of Formula 1's most advanced vehicles, Sutton experienced a decade of accomplishments with Williams, commencing in 1988.

Audi's preparations for their 2026 entry will benefit greatly from Sutton's decade of accomplishments in Formula 1, including his work on the active differential for Nigel Mansell's championship-winning Williams FW14B in 1992. In 1999, he helped Ferrari create a lightweight gearbox that helped Michael Schumacher win.

Reports stated that the team's preparations for the 2026 season have been intensifying over a period, and in January 2023, Andreas Seidl, the former McLaren team principal, was named as the CEO of Sauber Motorsport to manage the Swiss-based team's transition to Audi.

Sutton, who had previously been with McLaren until the end of 2020, had been operating as an independent engineering consultant before Audi brought him on board.

List of F1 Engine Manufacturers for 2026 Season

The FIA discloses that there are six F1 engine manufacturers committed for the 2026 season. Reports had it that discussions with current and prospective engine manufacturers have been in progress for a while concerning the regulations.

However, the FIA disclosed that six entities have finalized their registration. This group encompasses Audi, which declared in September its inaugural participation in F1 for the 2026 season as an engine provider for Sauber, as well as Red Bull Ford.

Despite the conclusion of Honda's current partnership with Red Bull in 2026, the Japanese manufacturer has committed to the period spanning from 2026 to 2030, even though they do not currently have an affiliation with any team.

As a result, the list of registered power unit suppliers now includes Alpine Racing, Audi, Ferrari S.p.A., Honda Racing Corporation, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd., and Red Bull Ford.

Furthermore, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented that the confirmation of six Power Unit manufacturers participating in Formula 1 from 2026 reflects the strength of the championship and the diligent development of technical regulations in collaboration with Formula 1 and the Power Unit manufacturers.