Audi recruits Neel Jani as a simulator driver to prepare for its entry into F1
The German brand, which is set to enter F1 in 2026 in partnership with Sauber, has just announced the name of its first man. Swiss Neel Jani will occupy the position of simulator driver to assist with the team's development.
Audi is already starting to prepare for Formula 1 and gradually assembling the pieces of its project, with the development of the power unit being of crucial importance. Neel Jani has been hired for this role, specifically to assist in the development in the simulator. Audi has decided to trust the winner of the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans.
On his part, the Swiss is happy to be able to take part in this development program and hopes to accompany Audi towards full success. « I am delighted to accompany Audi in their entry into Formula 1. It is both an honor and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage. I am confident that my experience in Formula 1 and LMP projects will allow me to establish strong links between theory and practice », he said.
The choice of experience for Audi
At 39 years old, Neel Jani is no longer young. But for Audi, having a driver with such great experience is a considerable asset, especially considering all the efforts required to develop in F1.
The Technical Development Director of Audi, Oliver Hoffmann, believes that simulation plays a major role in Audi’s preparation for F1, before adding that the simulator is an important tool for the development of the power unit. It requires a development driver who, in addition to having a mastery of technology, brings versatile experience to the project, particularly in terms of energy management in race conditions.
The choice of an experienced driver was obvious for Audi, which reminds us that not everything happens on a computer. « To assess different technical solutions, we do not rely solely on numerical methods. Know-how, experience, and practical development are essential elements to draw the right conclusions from the simulation », stated Adam Baker, director of Audi Formula Racing.
Although the project is still in an early stage of development, Audi is working diligently to prepare the best. Currently, we are mainly focusing on fundamental conceptual issues that are of great importance for performance.
