Audi is gearing up for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026. With Allan McNish at the helm, the team is launching a junior program for drivers and engineers.
Audi is continuing its preparations for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The Hinwil-based team has now announced the official launch of its junior program. Under the name Audi Driver Development Program, the talents of tomorrow will be specifically promoted in the future.
Allan McNish is taking over as head of the new department with immediate effect. The Scot is a three-time Le Mans winner and former Formula 1 driver for Toyota. He brings with him a wealth of experience from various management roles and is considered an expert in working with young talent.
With this move, Audi is following a proven trend in the premier class.
Nowadays, virtually every established team has its own talent factory. Red Bull has been leading the way for many years, with Mercedes and Ferrari successfully following suit. Alpine and McLaren are also investing heavily in young talent.
For a manufacturer like Audi, such an academy is therefore a logical commitment.
If you want to stay at the top in the long term, you need your own foundation. This applies not only to the cockpit, but to the entire organization. Audi is taking a holistic approach to the future in this regard.
If you want to stay at the top in the long term, you need your own foundation. This applies not only to the cockpit, but to the entire organization. Audi is taking a holistic approach to the future. The program is not limited to training race car drivers. Young designers, engineers, and mechanics will also receive targeted support. Audi wants to embed a culture of precision and performance in the team from the ground up. Talented individuals are integrated directly into the processes.
Young drivers receive comprehensive training under professional guidance. The curriculum covers performance on the track as well as technical development. Aspects such as physical fitness are also given intensive attention. Media relations and marketing also play a central role.
Great responsibility for the future
Allan McNish sees his new role as a great honor and responsibility and emphasizes the philosophy of Vorsprung durch Technik, which must also apply to people. The company is not only looking for fast drivers, but also intelligent team players. These will form the cornerstones of the new team.
According to McNish, the aim is to transform potential into measurable precision on the world stage. The focus is on resilience and a clear mental attitude. The first generation of talent is to be identified in the near future. The project is set to run for several years at the Hinwil site.
Team boss Jonathan Wheatley emphasizes the strategic importance of this investment.
He says the program is clear proof of the brand’s long-term commitment. The goal is to have formed a winning team by 2030. Promoting young talent is one of the most important pillars of this endeavor.
Audi DNA to be passed on
The connection to the team enables close interaction with the technicians.
The juniors have access to state-of-the-art resources and simulators. They are introduced to the Audi brand DNA right from the start. This should make the transition to the premier class of motorsport much easier. The selection process begins in karting and the smaller formula series. Audi wants to pave a clear path to the top of motorsport. Collaboration with experts is intended to guarantee the quality of training. The aim is to hold its own against the established competition in the long term.
Audi will make its official debut in the 2026 season with the new regulations. By then, the basic framework of the team should be fully operational. The new junior department is another piece in this complex puzzle. The team is steadily expanding its structures in Switzerland.