Audi’s Formula 1 debut is drawing ever closer. After a long-term project aimed at entering the sport with its own power units, the German manufacturer will officially join the grid in 2026. The stated objective, as outlined by CEO Gernot Döllner, is to turn the Four Rings brand into one of the most successful teams in Formula 1, with the goal of winning a world championship by 2030. At the same time, however, the early stages of this ambitious project are not expected to be straightforward.
This was first acknowledged by team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who openly stated that Audi will start the 2026 season from “a significant disadvantage” following the acquisition of Sauber, a team that had been present on the grid continuously for 33 years. As a result, the first season will not be about fighting for immediate victories, a message also reinforced by technical director Mattia Binotto.
According to the former Ferrari team principal, Audi is moving in the right direction, but he has also made it clear that major results should not be expected from the very first year. “I think that, as a project, we are moving in the right direction and with a certain level of credibility,” Mattia Binotto explained to Reuters. “We are building that credibility. I can see the dynamics and how much things have changed. For employees, it is quite clear: we are expanding, we are investing for the long term. These facts are giving the project a lot of credibility in the eyes of the workforce. There is no doubt that Audi is fully committed. The investments we are making at the moment are all long-term projects, because they are investments whose performance return we will probably see in three or four years.”
“I think patience is required, because we are still in a building phase,” Mattia Binotto added. “I do not expect to have the best engine next year at all, but that does not really matter because we know that our targets are set for 2030. We do not intend to be a surprise next year.”
In conclusion, Mattia Binotto avoided making direct comparisons with Red Bull’s power unit project. “I think they have more specific expertise,” he said. “We have Audi’s background and knowledge, which in the long term will certainly make the difference.” – the former Ferrari team boss pointed out.
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