BP plc is throwing its hat into the Formula One ring through a partnership with new team Audi from 2026.
From that year onwards, cars must produce 65% less greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel they use via a combination of electric power and sustainable fuel.
BP said it will help develop alternative sustainable fuels for the new cars and provide fluids for the electrical components in the cars.
Today’s deal makes BP the first official partner of Audi’s F1 team, which includes marketing and branding rights for BP and its Castrol and Aral brands.
Adam Baker, Audi Formula Racing’s chief executive, said: “This partnership is of great importance to us.
“There will be strong competition in the field of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 from 2026.
“In view of the high-performance potential, it was important for us to start our fuel testing at the end of 2022 with BP as our partner.
“The combustion process is highly complex and can only be optimized by developing the engine in combination with the fuel properties.”