Why does Audi not participate in F1 but is keen on Le Mans and endurance racing?

Audi has participated in many competitions. Audi can be seen in Le Mans, endurance races, and Touring Car Masters. However, Audi is lacking in F1 events. Some people say that the main reason why Audi does not participate in F1 is Afraid of losing. However, Audi officially explained: “If one of our cars participates in the Le Mans Series, it will cover 325 miles more than if it competes as an F1 car, the average speed will be 20 miles per hour faster than an F1 car, and it will save 42% on fuel. "This is just a simple comparison between F1 and these numbers. The real reason in the hearts of fans is not in these simple numbers.

Luxury car brands in the world are keen to participate in some international competitions. For example, Mercedes-Benz is keen on F1 and has won consecutively. There are more than ten or twenty F1 events every year. Except for the Monaco, Monza and Spa races, other events are very ordinary. Le Mans is held once a year, and you will know whether you win or lose.

The F1 competition has very strict and standardized standards. For example, the cars must look similar. For example, the participating vehicles must use the same technology, the same weight, the same fuel, etc. The participating teams mainly use their brains on aerodynamics and high-tech technologies such as KERS, which are not closely related to the automobile industry.

On the other hand, the Le Mans competition is much more open and even encourages major participating manufacturers to develop and apply the latest technologies. The purpose is to promote the development of the automobile industry through the event, so at the Le Mans competition you will see various Various engines, such as diesel engines, gasoline engines, hybrid and electric vehicles, etc., are closely connected with the automobile industry. Because of this, some of the technologies used in the Leman racing car can be applied in civilian automobile manufacturing in a short period of time. For example, many advanced technologies such as Audi's quattro technology, FSI technology, TDI technology and all-aluminum body should be used in mass-produced models after being tested in many international events including Le Mans.

From the perspective of car brand manufacturers, F1 pays more attention to the drivers. Viewers also discuss the drivers, weather, track, tires, etc. People rarely discuss teams, car manufacturers, and engines on F1. Suppliers and more. Le Mans is different. Everyone focuses on those classic racing cars, such as Porsche 956/962, Mazda 787B, Ferrari 330, Audi R8, Audi R10 TDI, etc.

Based on the above, as a manufacturer, it is reasonable for Audi not to participate in F1 and choose Le Mans. What is the most concerned about by car fans? One point is that Audi’s experience in manufacturing rear-wheel drive cars is still lacking compared with other big brands. , this is also one of the reasons why Audi does not participate in F1.

This article is the original work of Auto Observer. Any plagiarism will be investigated according to law.

(Operator: Ling Xiaofeng)

This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.