Audi has confirmed Öhlins as its official suspension supplier for its 2026 Formula 1 debut, formalising a programme that has underpinned pre-season development and track-preparation work.

The Swedish company, part of the Brembo Group since January 2025, has supported engineering, testing and damper performance activity ahead of Audi’s first race scheduled for March.

The agreement clarifies responsibilities as Audi finalises car build, correlation processes and track support, targeting a stable setup window to start the campaign.

Audi and Öhlins share substantial history. Between 1999 and 2016, Öhlins dampers equipped Audi Sport’s Le Mans entries, contributing to 13 overall victories at the 24 Hours.

The partnership also extended into DTM during the 2000s, including the Audi A4 DTM launched in 2004, creating a trust baseline now carried into grand prix racing.

Öhlins Group engineering director Urban Herslöf frames the deal as a milestone, emphasising pride in supporting Audi’s debut and the shared ambition to shape future automotive performance.

That intent aligns with Audi’s bid to build a robust technical base, combining proven partners with new processes to meet 2026’s regulatory and competitive demands.

Suspension performance grows in influence under the 2026 rules, with greater energy recovery and revised chassis characteristics placing a premium on platform control and tyre usage.

Damper quality shapes kerb compliance, transient balance and aerodynamic consistency. Early correlation work protects setup range as development accelerates through the opening flyaways.

Audi’s wider programme continues in parallel, with facilities growth and staffing supporting supplier sign-offs, as outlined in Audi’s F1 expansion plans.

The team’s technical foundation versus established rivals will hinge on clean integration between chassis and power unit packaging, reflected in recent technical analysis.

Addressing early power unit learning remains vital. Packaging, cooling and weight work complements chassis progress after engine flaw concerns raised during development.

Strategic planning also extends beyond 2026. Driver and leadership timelines for 2027, outlined in future line-up discussions, will influence medium‑term competitiveness.

For now, Audi and Öhlins focus on repeatable performance, correlation and reliability, targeting early points while building upgrade headroom through the opening phase of the season.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.