Audi, the German car manufacturer that will enter the Formula 1 (F1) motor racing series in 2026, has announced oil and gas giant BP as the first official partner for that team. 

The technical partnership will see BP produce sustainable engine fuel for Audi’s F1 cars, while BP’s Castrol brand will produce engine oils, lubricants, and other fluids for the vehicles.

BP, Castrol, and the BP-owned fuel and retail brand Aral will also gain long-term marketing and branding rights, and sponsorship inventory on Audi’s cars, and likely elsewhere around the team’s operations.

From 2026, F1 will institute a new set of regulations governing fuels and electrification, with BP looking to help Audi capitalize on the new rulings by developing fuels and EV fluids for the team.

Speaking on the partnership, BP senior vice president of marketing Nicola Buck stated: “[The partnership] 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.”

Andreas Seidl, the chief executive of the Audi F1 team, added: “It is a strong signal for Audi’s future F1 factory team that we have been able to establish this partnership at such an early stage. We sense the appeal of the Audi F1 Project and how many renowned companies want to work with Audi in Formula 1.”

This is not the first time Audi has worked with BP in the arena of motorsport, the oil and gas major and its Castrol brand have been utilized as a partner or supplier in every Audi motorsports program including the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the FIA World Rallycross Championship, the FIA Formula E World Championship, and as far back as the 1980s with the World Rally Championship.