Audi: Neel Jani becomes simulator driver

Audi will enter the top class of motorsport in 2026. To this end, an update of the dynamic driving simulator for work on the Formula 1 hybrid drive is currently underway at the development site in Neuburg.

Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi: "Just like in production development, simulation plays an important role in our Formula 1 project. The simulator is an important tool for power unit development. This requires a development driver who, in addition to technical understanding, also brings versatile experience in power management under racing conditions."

Experienced racer

As a former test and reserve driver at Red Bull Racing, Neel Jani has spent many hours in the Formula 1 simulator. He gained valuable experience with a hybrid race car as an operational driver in endurance racing. There, in 2016, he won the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC as well as the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Porsche factory team.

Neel Jani: "I'm very happy to accompany Audi on its way to Formula 1. It's an honor and at the same time a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude so early on."

Single cylinder engine on test

Since the end of 2022, the test operation of a single-cylinder engine has been providing valuable insights for the development of the power unit. The ongoing concept phase will lay the performance foundations for the power unit in 2026, when the new regulations provide for greater electrification. The electric drive will then have almost as much power as the combustion engine.

The highly efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged engines will run on synthetic fuel. The first hybrid drive unit, consisting of an internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery and control electronics, is to run on the test bench this year and form the basis for the future vehicle concept.

audi.ch