- Audi and bp: Exclusive sponsorship and technical partnership sees bp become the first official partner of the future Audi factory team in F1
- bp to develop FIA-specified Advanced Sustainable fuel for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026
- Castrol to develop lubricants for Audi’s V6 turbo engine and EV fluids for the electric motor and battery
Audi and bp are joining forces in an extensive new strategic partnership in Formula 1. As Audi prepares to enter the pinnacle of motor racing in 2026, which also marks the introduction of groundbreaking new FIA F1 Technical Regulations featuring enhanced electrification and use of Advanced Sustainable fuel, Audi and bp bring together their technical expertise and drive for innovation to help shape the future of motorsport.
Under the new partnership, bp and its specialist lubricants business Castrol are proud to help deliver Audi’s ambition to combine technology and innovation to achieve success in Formula 1. The parties have been working closely together for almost two years, co-engineering bp fuels and Castrol lubricants to enable maximum performance from the Audi F1 Power Unit.
The collaboration includes the development of the FIA defined Advanced Sustainable fuel as required by the FIA F1 Technical Regulations from 2026. To meet the regulations, the fuel must achieve greenhouse gas emissions savings relative to fossil-derived petrol of at least 65%1.
bp will also develop and supply Audi with a range of bespoke Castrol lubricants and greases including Castrol EDGE, Castrol’s most advanced engine oil, for the V6 turbo engine. Electrical components of the Audi F1 Power Unit will benefit from the Castrol ON range of EV fluids.
Sponsoring the Audi F1 factory team
Further building on the technical cooperation, the companies have also agreed a long-term sponsorship, with bp becoming the first official partner of the future Audi factory team in Formula 1. This will include marketing and branding rights for bp, Castrol and Aral brands (Aral is bp’s leading fuel and retail brand in Germany).
Audi and bp already have a long and successful joint history in motorsport with Castrol products being used to win in every Audi motorsport factory program. This began back in the 1980s in the World Rally Championship with the Audi quattro. Castrol was also a partner of Audi in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, FIA World Rallycross Championship, FIA Formula E World Championship and in the DTM race series. The highly efficient two-liter four-cylinder turbo engine developed by Audi and used in the DTM in 2019 and 2020, became the most successful engine in the Class 1 era of the DTM with Castrol lubricants and high-performance fuel developed by Aral.
Nicola Buck, SVP marketing, bp: “We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with bp and Castrol, this time for their entry into Formula 1. It gives our premium brands the opportunity to showcase our technical expertise at the pinnacle of motorsport. We are already making great progress with the Audi F1 Project on the development of the bp fuel and Castrol lubricants as we seek to innovate and unlock maximum engine performance for the Audi F1 Power Unit from 2026.”
Note for the editors:
- Greenhouse gas emissions savings for fuels produced at installations operating since 2021, see Formula 1 technical regulations for 2026
For more information on F1’s Sustainability Strategy, including the small impact on overall carbon footprint but important role of Advanced Sustainable fuels, click here>>>
24 July 2024
Anicecommunication Press Office and Media Relations Castrol Italy >
