Audi’s impending foray into Formula 1 in two and a half years has garnered attention, especially due to the involvement of Dávid Szegletes, a recent graduate of Széchenyi István University in Győr, located in northwestern Hungary. Szegletes, a budding development engineer, is making his mark in the design of Audi’s Formula 1 power unit, an extraordinary task he’s been well-prepared for thanks to the university’s vehicle engineering training and student competition team.
Audi’s decision to enter Formula 1 from 2026, coinciding with significant regulatory changes, signifies a remarkable shift. The heart of the engine will beat with a V6 turbo engine, while the electric element will contribute half the power to the entire unit, signifying a pivotal step towards sustainability by transitioning to sustainable fuels.
Already gearing up for its inaugural appearance in the upper echelons of motorsport, Audi’s Formula 1 development center in Neuburg, Germany has welcomed Dávid Szegletes as one of its members. A proud alumnus of Széchenyi István University, Szegletes expresses his fulfillment in working at Audi, a dream he has transformed into reality through dedication and the opportunities provided by his alma mater.
Szegletes’s journey began in Nagykanizsa and led him to Széchenyi University, where he pursued a vehicle engineering bachelor’s degree in Hungarian and a master’s degree in English. The university’s environment, coupled with its student teams of international acclaim, captivated Szegletes’s attention. His engagement with the SZEngine Team, specializing in engine development for the Formula Student series, exposed him to various aspects of engine dynamics and technology, fostering a wealth of practical knowledge.
The bridge between Szegletes and Audi Hungaria in Győr was solidified during his student years. An internship in electric drive development marked the inception of his collaboration with Audi, eventually evolving into a full-time role as a development engineer while pursuing his master’s degree.
Last year, an unprecedented opportunity emerged when Audi advertised open positions for its Formula 1 project. Szegletes seized the chance and was elated to be selected, embarking on a new chapter as a development engineer in Neuburg in January.
In his role as a powertrain component constructor, Szegletes is primarily involved with selector mechanisms, a task akin to the fast-paced dynamism of Formula Student. As Audi readies itself for its Formula 1 debut, Szegletes’s fingerprints will adorn the power unit, a testament to his dedication and ingenuity.
Beyond his contributions, Szegletes aspires to venture into the realm of a race engineer, potentially traversing the globe with the Formula 1 circuit. Regardless of his future roles, Szegletes remains confident that Audi will assert its presence on the Formula 1 battleground, poised for victory and accomplishment.
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