Audi and bp are joining forces for a new strategic partnership in Formula 1 (F1). The car maker and bp will bring together their technical expertise and drive for innovation to help shape the future of the motorsport, the convenience-store chain and energy company said in announcing the partnership.
Audi is preparing to enter F1 in the 2026 season, which also marks the introduction of new FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) F1 technical regulations. The regulations feature enhanced electrification and use of advanced sustainable fuel.
- bp is No. 7 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by total number of company-owned stores.
The parties have been working together for almost two years, co-engineering bp fuels and Castrol lubricants to enable maximum performance from the Audi F1 Power Unit, bp said.
The collaboration includes the development of FIA-defined advanced sustainable fuel. To meet the regulations, the fuel must achieve greenhouse gas emissions savings relative to fossil-derived fuel of at least 65%.
bp will also develop and supply Audi with a range of Castrol lubricants and greases including Castrol Edge, its most advanced engine oil.
The companies have also agreed to a long-term sponsorship, with bp becoming the first official partner of the future Audi factory team in Formula 1. This will include marketing and branding rights for bp, Castrol and Aral brands (bp’s leading fuel and retail brand in Germany).
Audi and bp have partnered before for motorsports.
“We are proud that Audi has once again chosen to partner with bp and Castrol, this time for their entry into Formula 1,” Nicola Buck, senior vice president for marketing at bp said. “It 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.”
London-based bp has more than 1,540 convenience stores and travel centers in the United States under the brands ampm, Thorntons and TravelCenters of America. Castrol is bp’s specialist lubricants business.
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