In 1981, Borgudd, now 34, finally entered Formula 1 in ATS, making his debut in the San Marino Grand Prix, placing ABBA logos on the car's sidepods (although there was no cash sponsorship), a hopeful move to attract other investors. In spite of a run of non-qualifications, Borgudd managed to finish 6th in the British Grand Prix, scoring his first world championship point. In spite of the added morale boost, Borgudd failed to score any more points.