The Four Rings are preparing for their long-awaited Formula 1 debut in 2026 with a power unit that will split its total output evenly between combustion and electric power. According to the latest paddock rumours, Audi’s engineers in Neuburg have already broken through the 400 kW barrier with their internal combustion engine, surpassing the equivalent of 540 horsepower — a figure that places them closer to the front of the grid than many expected.
So far, much of the attention has been on the engineers leaving Ferrari to strengthen Audi’s power unit department. Among them are Wolf Zimmermann — who is reportedly ready to leave Maranello but has not yet officially departed — and his deputy Lars Schmidt, both key figures in Ferrari’s engine research and development team. Audi, which is preparing to enter Formula 1 in 2026, is approaching its debut as an underdog in the paddock, but one with remarkable technical resources and ambition.
Binotto’s five-year plan for success
Mattia Binotto, now Head of the Audi F1 Project, has set out a five-year roadmap with the goal of fighting for wins by 2030. In an interview with Autosprint, the former Ferrari team principal described the enormous challenge ahead: “Formula 1 is the most complex sport in the world, not only within motorsport. Its scale and technology make it unique. History shows that every winning cycle is built on a period of preparation lasting between five and seven years. We want to do it in five — three years to build, and two to consolidate.”
Binotto’s vision is clear, and it’s important to note that the transformation of Sauber into Audi has been underway for quite some time. The Ingolstadt brand will not enter Formula 1 like Cadillac, which is building its team from scratch. The Swiss outfit has already moved away from the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, showing tangible progress and scoring points with both drivers. However, few are talking about Audi’s hidden strength — the Competence Center Motorsport, located in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany, which has been operational since 2014.
Audi’s hidden powerhouse in Neuburg
The Neuburg facility spans more than 3,000 square meters and has been the heart of Audi’s motorsport engineering. It is where projects such as the Audi R18 e-tron for the World Endurance Championship, the RS Q e-tron for the Dakar Rally, and the RS 5 DTM were developed, as well as the brand’s Formula E program. It is a genuine center of excellence, now being adapted to meet the extreme demands of Formula 1. The facility has been expanded, and its workforce has grown significantly — including specialists recruited from both Mercedes and Ferrari, bringing deep knowledge and experience from two of F1’s top engine manufacturers.
At present, the most highly rated power unit for 2026 is said to be Mercedes’, which will equip the factory team in Brackley as well as McLaren, Williams, and Alpine. Ferrari, with its proud engine tradition, continues to draw high expectations, while the new Honda-Aston Martin partnership is another major talking point. Meanwhile, very little is known about Audi’s project or the Red Bull Powertrains collaboration with Ford.
Behind the numbers: Audi’s promising performance
Ferrari, after deciding to abandon an innovative steel cylinder head design proposed by Wolf Zimmermann due to reliability issues, reverted to an aluminum alloy solution. This design will reportedly feature a revolutionary and highly secret air intake system. However, the time lost has allowed Mercedes to pull slightly ahead, with Honda not far behind.
So where does Audi really stand? According to the latest paddock whispers — as engine engineers continue to move frequently between manufacturers — the German marque’s internal combustion unit has already exceeded 400 kW, equivalent to roughly 540–550 horsepower. By comparison, Mercedes’ much-praised 2026 power unit is reportedly rated at around 420 kW, or approximately 571 horsepower — only slightly higher, and certainly not an unbridgeable gap for Audi.
These figures should be taken cautiously, as they are based on unofficial leaks and not confirmed data. Much of the information comes from people who claim to have “sensed” performance levels during long-duration test bench runs. Peak power numbers don’t always tell the full story — reliability will be crucial, especially since teams will have to complete a 24-race season using only four power units per driver.
A complex challenge ahead
It’s clear that Audi will face challenges in integrating its two main bases — Hinwil and Neuburg — particularly in the early stages. However, it’s reasonable to believe that the team’s starting point will be far stronger than many expect, and the transformation from Sauber to a full-fledged works outfit will likely happen faster than anticipated.
Mattia Binotto’s task is far from easy, but the Swiss-born engineer from Reggio Emilia has given Audi’s F1 journey a clear direction from the outset. Turning that vision into victories will take time and persistence, but the German manufacturer has always been known for embracing — and mastering — technical challenges. The road to success may be long, but Audi appears determined to travel it faster than anyone expects.
Leave a Reply