Audi team officializes BP and Castrol sponsorship, what about Alpine sponsorship?

The Audi project is beginning to take shape in an apparent way. While recent statements suggested that the project was on hold, the German manufacturer has just silenced any potential critics by formalizing its first partnership. This is with Castrol, a subsidiary of the BP group, specialized in the design and sale of engine lubricants for the automotive sector. This agreement is beneficial for both parties and aims to best prepare for the future.

A technical partnership

In order to comply with the new regulations that will come into force in Formula 1 in 2026, requiring in particular the use of advanced renewable fuels tailored to current societal needs, Audi had to find partners. The choice to turn to BP therefore seemed obvious to meet the requirements of the FIA, which from 2026 onwards is imposing a fuel that allows for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 65% compared to fossil gasoline.

For the past two years, Audi and BP have been closely collaborating, with BP providing the fuels and Castrol the engine lubricants for the future Formula 1 team. This collaboration began from the early stages of the German manufacturer’s project, even though BP and Castrol are already partners with the Alpine team in Formula 1. However, relations with Alpine have recently been strained by rumors of a possible partnership with Mercedes, which could supply its engine to the French team in 2026.

Audi’s leaders are already delighted with this partnership, as reflected by CEO Andreas Seidl, who even speaks of a perfect agreement: Audi and BP have always successfully collaborated in the field of motor sports. We are thrilled to be able to take this special partnership to the next level in Formula 1. BP and Castrol aspire to provide the best technologies in fuel and lubricants. This is a perfect fit. The fact that we were able to establish this partnership at such an early stage is a strong signal for the future Audi F1 factory team. We feel the appeal of the Audi F1 project and the number of renowned companies wishing to work with Audi in Formula 1.

This partnership highlights that the Audi project is well established, with the German automotive manufacturer even being very advanced in the development of its engines for 2026, according to the CEO of Audi Formula Racing, Adam Baker: « This partnership is very important for us. There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026. Given the high performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with BP as a partner. I am convinced that we are perfectly positioned with BP and Castrol. »

Comments supported by Nicola Buck, Castrol’s vice president of marketing, who said he is proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with BP and Castrol, this time for its entry into Formula 1. This long-term agreement, both technical and strategic, also includes marketing rights for BP and its two subsidiaries, Castrol and Aral. It will be beneficial for both parties and demonstrates Audi’s commitment to secure a place on the Formula 1 grid.

What about the relationship with Alpine from 2026 onwards?

Alpine and in the past Renault, was one of Castrol’s historic partners in F1. The Alpine notably displays the Castrol logo since its blue livery in 2021, but the Castrol Edge logo has been featured on Renault’s RS17 since 2017.

With this announcement, we do not yet know if Alpine will continue to be sponsored by the lubricant manufacturer for the upcoming seasons.