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.

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.

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.

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.

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's chairman of the board of management Markus Duesmann noted that “Motorsport is an integral part of Audi's DNA.”

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.” In regards to Duesmann’s comments on the company’s “clear sustainability goals,” F1’s new regulations for 2026 include using fully sustainable fuels and using more electrical power. “I am delighted to welcome Audi to Formula One, an iconic automotive brand, pioneer and technological innovator,” Domenicali said. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. Duesmann did not specify which partner that Audi will take on. “Formula One is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory.

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.

Christian Horner does not see Daniel Ricciardo “as the same driver that he was” when he raced for Red Bull in Formula 1, believing his confidence has been ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/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.

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.

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.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says Daniel Ricciardo's early exit from McLaren is “very sad” for Formula 1. Earlier this week, McLaren confirmed that ...

“We were sad to see him leave the team and his confidence has been zapped. Tough for him but I really hope he finds something for the future.” I have spoken to Daniel a little bit but I don’t recognise him as the same driver as he was when he was with us.

Sergio Perez set the pace during final practice for the Belgian Grand Prix. Check out the full results from FP3 at Spa-Francorchamps.

Driver Ferrari driver [Red Bull](/formula-1-teams/red-bull) topped the timesheets in Saturday's final free practice session ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

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.

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.

Max Verstappen holds an 80-point lead over Charles Leclerc in the drivers' championship, and Ferrari will want to lay down a marker in the first race following ...

TBD For viewers planning to live stream F1 in 2022, you can purchase For fans in Canada, TSN will carry the English-language telecast of races. Monaco Grand Prix Miami Grand Prix Bahrain Grand Prix ESPN's prerace show typically airs in the hour before the start of the race. Among them is championship leader Max Verstappen, who was comfortably the quickest in the second practice session ahead of teammate Sergio Perez. He's complained of some "very, very strange" bouncing at certain corners (although that might be because he went right up on the kerb). With all these grid penalties to come, how will the final lineup look? START OF Q3: The final session is underway. The reigning world champion was one of seven drivers given grid penalties due to having had engine work carried out, but anyone watching the Red Bull gliding around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit will not be discounting him from taking a ninth race win of 2022.