Formula 1 fans will know that Audi will be taking part in the sport for the first time from the 2026 season. Audi will compete as a factory team together with its strategic partner, Sauber. Both parties are now busy developing the power unit for the F1 racing car at Audi’s Competence Centre Motorsport.
It will be some time before the first prototypes start to race around the test track but there is one place where you will be able to see the Audi F1 car in action – and even drive it – long before it starts its first F1 race. Thanks to EA Sports, the Audi F1 racing car will be available in the F1 22 racing game from Codemasters.
Unlike the lengthy period of development for real cars, the racing car for the virtual world does not need to undergo testing. As long as the basic technical specifications and performance levels are known, the virtual version for the simulator can be ‘built’.
EA SPORTS and Codemasters have digitally recreated this racing car in perfect detail, based on the model that was displayed when Audi announced its entry into Formula 1 during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps at the end of August. The car’s livery in the sim racing game is identical though it is uncertain if that will be maintained by the time the actual car starts racing.
“It’s not a given to be a part of the official simulation of Formula 1 three years before our first race,” said Henrik Wenders, Head of Brand Audi. “Our show car has caused quite a stir from the very first moment with its striking design and the colour scheme that is typical of Audi in motorsport. Everywhere it has been in action, the reactions have been extremely positive. I’m convinced that our show car will also win many fans in the virtual world.”
EA SPORTS’ F1 22 is the latest version of the official video game of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, available for PlayStation, Xbox and PC – also in VR on PC. All of the current teams, drivers and tracks are included in the game. Audi’s F1 racing car is part of the ‘Podium Pass Series 4 VIP tier’ and is now available to gamers. As with the other racing cars, it will be shown in photorealistic quality.
“There was incredible excitement when Audi announced it would be joining the F1 grid,” said Paul Jeal, F1 Senior Franchise Director at Codemasters. “We are excited to deliver the stunning launch livery to EA SPORTS F1 22 players as part of Podium Pass Series 4, allowing Audi to establish itself as a title contender in the virtual world ahead of its debut in 2026.”
In the real world, the first tests are planned for 2025. In developing the power unit, Audi and Sauber have to apply the new F1 regulations that will be introduced from 2026. These regulations take a major step towards sustainability and the power units will therefore be more efficient than they are today. The proportion of electric power will increase significantly and CO2-neutral synthetic fuel, will be used.
