EA and Codemasters have announced that Formula 1 fans and players will be able to drive an Audi F1 car in F1 22 a whopping four years earlier than the real one, which will only be making its debut in early 2026.

In August 2022, Audi revealed that they would be joining F1 and they unveiled a show car with a special Audi F1 launch livery. EA and Codemasters have digitally recreated this exact show car in perfect detail and integrated it into F1 22 with the latest update.

In the real world, Audi is slated to compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, starting in the 2026 season, by working with the Swiss racing team Sauber. They will begin testing sometime in 2025.

Henrik Wenders, Head of Brand Audi, said:

“It’s not a given to be a part of the official simulation of Formula 1 three years before our first race. Our show car has caused quite a stir from the very first moment with its striking design and the colour scheme that is typical of Audi in motorsport. Everywhere it has been in action, the reactions have been extremely positive. I’m convinced that our show car will also win many fans in the virtual world.”

Paul Jeal, F1 Senior Franchise Director at Codemasters, said:

“There was incredible excitement when Audi announced it would be joining the F1 grid. We are excited to deliver the stunning launch livery to EA SPORTS F1 22 players as part of Podium Pass Series 4, allowing Audi to establish itself as a title contender in the virtual world ahead of its debut in 2026.”

F1 22 is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Audi’s show car is part of the “Podium Pass Series 4 VIP tier”, which was added as part of an update on 7 December 2022.