Audi not changing F1 plans after Renault’s departure, but Mattia Binotto admits: “There’s a gap to reduce”. Audi boss Mattia Binotto does not hide the Audi delay compared to rivals.

Audi-Sauber’s internal issues
The choice of a driver to pair with Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 is not the only issue for the future of Audi-Sauber in Formula 1. The company has acquired 100% of the Swiss team and is working hard on its first hybrid power unit ahead of its debut in 2026 (next year, the team will continue using Ferrari engines), with the awareness that there is a significant gap to close against the automotive giants already competing in Formula 1. And despite Renault’s exit, having announced it will not be Alpine’s engine supplier in the next regulatory cycle, Audi’s plans remain unchanged.

Renault’s departure does not change the plans
In short, there are doubts about Audi’s first power unit, and they are not hidden by those involved. Simply put, it’s a physiological issue: the German company will compete against other manufacturers with over a decade of experience in designing and developing hybrid turbo engines for Formula 1 (which debuted back in 2014). However, this does not shake the program, according to Audi CEO Gernot Dollner: “Renault’s withdrawal will not influence our path, and we haven’t even discussed it internally. We have a long-term commitment to F1.”

So, Renault’s withdrawal is not a reason to exit the sport, but rather an incentive to improve. It could also be an opportunity: it is clear that, despite guarantees of no layoffs, the staff at Viry-Chatillon is oversized due to the F1 program’s closure, and many engineers might continue their work elsewhere. This was confirmed by Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who said in an interview with L’Equipe that technicians who want to continue developing an F1 engine will not struggle to find new positions, stating that he has no intention of holding anyone back.

Mattia Binotto and the gap to close
Meanwhile, Mattia Binotto has also shared his thoughts on the current progress at the newly renovated Neuburg facility, adapted for the design of Audi’s power unit: “I visited the factory, and I have to say that the engine is developing well on the test bench. But I also believe that our process is one of growth and learning. We will be up against teams that are very stable and experienced, with extensive technical knowledge from previous years. The regulations are changing, it’s true, but I still expect that we will initially have a delay to make up. However, we cannot yet know how big that gap will be.”