As preparations accelerate for its entry into the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Audi Revolut F1 Team has announced the launch of its Driver Development Programme—an initiative designed to identify, nurture, and shape the next generation of Audi-aligned racing talent.
Directed by Audi motorsport legend Allan McNish, the program underlines Audi’s priority to invest early in youth development. McNish’s résumé—spanning Formula One, three overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a World Endurance Championship title—positions him as a seasoned mentor.
Unlike traditional junior driver academies that focus mainly on pace alone, Audi envisions a program that is more holistic. Young drivers selected from karting and junior single-seater categories will undergo bespoke development covering on-track performance, technical and engineering literacy, human performance, and media and marketing preparation. The goal is to produce drivers who are not only fast, but adaptable, analytical, and aligned with the operational demands of a modern works F1 team.
Importantly, the initiative reflects Audi’s broader philosophy of building a sustainable Formula One organization from the ground up. Alongside driver scouting, the program is also tasked with developing young designers, engineers, and mechanics—embedding future talent into the Audi F1 ecosystem early and fostering a culture of precision, performance, and continuous improvement.
This may sound somewhat familiar to those who have followed Audi Sport campaigns in sportscar racing over the 25+ years. During its ascension to the top of sportscar racing and the subsequent back-fill into customer racing, Audi built a deep bench of young talent. No doubt lessons learned there will help inform today’s F1-focused program.
ALLAN MCNISH
Director of Audi Driver Development Programme
“To be entrusted with finding the cornerstones of the future Audi Revolut F1 Team is a great honour and a responsibility I am very passionate about. This brand is built on a history of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, and that philosophy must apply to our young drivers as much as to our cars. We are not just looking for raw speed; we are looking for the resilience, intelligence, and team-driven mindset that defines a future Audi champion. Our goal is to build a pathway that turns potential into precision and performance on the world stage. I am thrilled to begin this work and identify the first generation of talent to join this ambitious project.”
JONATHAN WHEATLEY
Team Principal of Audi Revolut F1 Team
“Investing in the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula One strategy. The Audi Driver Development Programme is a clear statement of our long-term commitment to youth and our ambition to be competitive. With Allan McNish, we have a director who not only has an incredible track record in motorsport but also embodies the spirit and dedication of our operations. Under his leadership, this programme will be integral to our vision for 2030, our goal of building a winning team and shaping the future of Audi in Formula One.”