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Audi has revealed a new strategic partnership with BP as it gears up for its Formula 1 debut in 2026.
Under this collaboration, BP, a leading oil and energy company, will provide Audi with fully sustainable fuels per F1’s new engine regulations, emphasising sustainability starting in 2026.
BP’s Castrol brand will supply the team with lubricants and greases. BP has been working with Alpine F1 in a similar role since 2017.
Audi will take over the Sauber team, which is currently at the bottom of the 2024 F1 constructors’ standings. While Sauber has signed Nico Hülkenberg from Haas, the second driver remains unconfirmed, with potential candidates including Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon.
F1 teqm CEO Andreas Seidl commented on the partnership: “Audi and BP have always had a successful partnership in motorsport. We are thrilled to elevate this relationship to Formula 1. Audi is synonymous with ‘Vorsprung durch Technik,’ and BP and Castrol are committed to delivering top-tier fuel and lubricant technologies. This partnership is a perfect match.”
Insights from BP’s Press Release
The partnership aims to blend their technical expertise and innovative drive to shape the future of motorsport. This aligns with the new FIA F1 Technical Regulations, which will emphasise enhanced electrification and advanced sustainable fuel. BP and Castrol have been working with Audi for nearly two years, co-developing fuels and lubricants to optimise the performance of the new F1 Power Unit.
The collaboration includes developing FIA-defined Advanced Sustainable fuel, which must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to fossil-derived petrol. BP will also supply Audi with customised Castrol lubricants and greases, such as the advanced Castrol EDGE engine oil for the V6 turbo engine and Castrol ON EV fluids for the power unit’s electrical components.
Sponsorship and Historical Success of BP and Audi
This strategic partnership includes a long-term sponsorship deal, making BP the first official partner of Audi’s future factory team in Formula 1. The sponsorship will feature marketing and branding rights for BP, Castrol, and Aral, BP’s leading fuel and retail brand in Germany.
Audi and BP have a long and successful history in motorsport. Castrol products have been integral to victories in every Audi factory motorsport program since the 1980s, including the World Rally Championship with the Quattro, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Rallycross Championship, the FIA Formula E World Championship, and the DTM series. The 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine developed by Audi for the DTM in 2019 and 2020, which achieved great success, was powered by Castrol lubricants and high-performance fuel developed by Aral.
Feature Image Credit: bp.com