Neel Jani named F1 simulator driver by Audi

We already know the first Audi driver for the arrival of the German manufacturer in Formula 1 ! Of course, this is not a regular driver for the 2026 season, but rather the driver dedicated to the simulator at the Neuburg factory: Neel Jani.

The Swiss was hired by the Anneaux firm because of his experience as a development pilot Red Bull in Formula 1, as well as his knowledge of hybrid systems in a racing car via the Porsche 919 LM P1 in the 2010s in Endurance.

MEDIAINFO: Simulator driver for development of Audi's Formula 1 power unit signed

>> https://t.co/fESHasoVLn#FutureIsAnAttitude pic.twitter.com/1flxVtgfUn

- Audi Sport (@audisport) June 22, 2023

“I am delighted to support Audi on the path to Formula 1, declared the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2016 with Porsche. It is both an honor and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage. I am sure that with my experience of Formula 1 and LM P1 projects, I can forge good links between theory and practice. »

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Oliver Hoffmann, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG, explains the choice of Neel Jani for the position of simulator driver. “Just like in the development of a production vehicle, simulation plays a major role in our Formula 1 project. Our simulator is an important tool for the development of the power unit. It requires a development driver who, in addition to his mastery of technology, brings versatile experience to the project, particularly in terms of energy management in racing conditions. »

Audi in engine testing phase

Audi also provides details on the progress of the F1 project. Since the end of 2022, testing of a single-cylinder engine has provided valuable results for the development of the power unit. The ongoing design phase lays the foundations for the performance of the power unit for 2026, when new regulations provide for increasing electrification. The electric motor (MGU-K) will then provide practically the same power as the internal combustion engine. The highly efficient 1,6-liter turbo engines are powered by sustainable synthetic fuel.

“For now, we are mainly focusing on fundamental conceptual questions that have great importance for performance, says Adam Baker, CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH. However, to evaluate the different technical solutions, we do not rely solely on numerical methods. Know-how, experience and development on the test bench are essential elements to draw the right conclusions from the simulation. With this combination, we can evaluate different operating strategies at an early stage and pave the way for efficient energy management of the power unit. »