Audi: Entry into the virtual top class 🎥
FIRST PLAY Formula 1 fans still have to be patient until Audi competes in the top class of motorsports for the first time in early 2026. The virtual world is shortening the wait with the racing game EA Sports F1 22.
With its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, Audi is facing a very challenging task. Crucial for the brand are the new regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), which, among other things, stipulate sustainable synthetic fuels from 2026 and increase the electric share of the drive unit to up to 50 percent. The drive unit is being developed at the Neuburg an der Donau site.
Prelude to the World Championship
At the end of August, Audi unveiled a show car with a special Audi F1 launch livery as part of the Belgian Grand Prix. EA Sports and Codemasters have now digitally recreated exactly this show car and integrated it into the F1 22 video game with the latest in-game update. E
A Sports is considered one of the leading developers of sports simulations for game consoles and PC. F1 22 is the latest part of the official video game of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, available for Playstation, Xbox and PC. All the latest teams, drivers and tracks are included in the game.
Title contenders in the virtual world
Paul Jeal, F1 Senior Franchise Director at Codemasters: "Audi's announcement to enter Formula 1 has created great excitement. We are delighted to be able to offer EA Sports F1 22 players the great launch livery as part of Podium Pass Series 4. It allows Audi to establish itself as a title contender in the virtual world ahead of its 2026 debut."
In the real world, Audi will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with its own factory team in cooperation with Sauber from the 2026 season. The first test drives are planned for 2025.
