Mattia Binotto is preaching patience and urging observers not to judge Audi’s Formula 1 project based solely on its early performances.
Given the prestige and resources associated with the four-ring brand, many expected Audi to make a stronger impact from the outset. However, Formula 1 has repeatedly shown that even the most ambitious manufacturers require time to establish themselves at the front of the grid.
Mercedes, for example, needed time before becoming a dominant force, while other highly anticipated projects, such as Toyota’s Formula 1 programme, never fully achieved their objectives. That is why the former Ferrari team principal, now leading Audi’s Formula 1 effort, continues to view the project through a long-term lens and remains focused on the team’s 2030 target.
Binotto discusses ADUO in Barcelona
During the Spanish Grand Prix press conference in Barcelona, Mattia Binotto was also asked about ADUO and the opportunities it could provide to manufacturers currently trailing the leaders.
The Italian engineer even exchanged a light-hearted joke with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, perhaps hinting at some surprise regarding the FIA’s initial assessment that placed the Red Bull Ford power unit at the top of the performance rankings. Despite Audi’s power unit reportedly ranking near the bottom of the current classification, ahead of only Honda, Binotto stressed that he does not expect any short-term performance gains from the ADUO mechanism.
“The benefits will come over time”
“For Audi, it will be a significant benefit, but it is not something that will have an immediate impact. It is something that affects the medium to long term, and we do not expect instant advantages,” Mattia Binotto explained.
His comments reflect Audi’s broader philosophy of building a competitive operation step by step rather than seeking quick fixes. While ADUO may eventually provide valuable development opportunities, Binotto made it clear that the team is not counting on the system to transform its fortunes overnight.
The focus remains firmly on 2030
The Audi team principal reiterated that the organisation’s long-term roadmap has not changed.
“Ours is a long journey. The target is 2030,” he said.
Mattia Binotto also acknowledged that the team expected a difficult learning process when embarking on its Formula 1 programme: “We knew the learning curve would be steep. Looking back to the start of the season and the shakedown in January, we have improved significantly from an operational point of view.”
Those remarks underline Audi’s determination to build solid foundations rather than chase short-term headlines. While results may take time to arrive, the team believes the progress made behind the scenes is already moving the project in the right direction.
For now, Audi’s management appears willing to accept the challenges of the present in pursuit of a much bigger goal: becoming a genuine Formula 1 contender by the end of the decade.
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