Audi has announced a “more realistic” target for its Formula 1 project following an analysis of its preparations for the 2026 debut.
The German automaker initially aimed to win races within three years of entering the sport, but CEO Gernot Dollner stated that Audi has “recalibrated our timeline.”
Dollner explained, “We recognize that it will be a multi-year program. We began discussing how ambitious we can be, but we haven’t finalized that discussion yet.”
He highlighted that while Audi reassessed its F1 program last year, abandoning the idea of competing in F1 was never on the table.
“This is definitely the right time,” Dollner remarked. “The decision was well-prepared two and a half years ago. We reevaluated it last year and believe that F1 and Audi are a perfect match, aligning with our strategy. We are excited about this project, aware that it is ambitious and will take time.”
“It was never questioned that F1 is a premier motorsport platform—the pinnacle of motorsports. We simply reassessed if our setup was optimal.”
Dollner noted that Audi decided to take complete control of Sauber sooner than anticipated, with a future-focused management strategy as the next step.
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Audi plans to take full ownership and control of the Sauber team by the end of the first quarter next year. In the meantime, a significant restructuring of the F1 program’s management has taken place.
Last month, the previous management team—Oliver Hoffmann and former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl—were dismissed.
Audi has since appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as chief operating officer and chief technical officer, while Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will join as team principal at an unspecified time before July next year.
Dollner, who oversees the Sauber board, called this “dual leadership” the “perfect solution for our project.”
“We have a clear structure with distinct responsibilities,” Dollner stated. “We believe Mattia and Jonathan will make an excellent team to share these responsibilities. If a final decision is needed, I will make it, but I don’t foresee that necessity.”
“Of course, we will discuss significant matters like driver selections together and reach a mutual conclusion.”
Sauber’s Position ‘Very Painful’
Binotto (shown) will oversee operations at the chassis base in Hinwil, Switzerland, and the engine factory in Neuburg, Germany, while Wheatley will manage race operations.
Dollner spoke at a media briefing at the Italian Grand Prix alongside Binotto, who indicated that no decision has yet been made regarding a second driver to partner Nico Hulkenberg for 2025.
Binotto expressed that Audi “cannot accept” Sauber’s current competitiveness, as the team is last in the World Championship this year, and noted that this situation cannot persist into the next season.
“We can’t allow [two seasons at the back],” Binotto stated. “This is the team we have, and we must progress. The current position is uncomfortable and very painful. Continuous progress is essential day by day.”
Dollner confirmed Audi’s commitment to allow the F1 team to operate outside corporate constraints.
“We are completely independent in managing this project,” Dollner noted. “With the new structure, we have improved our ability to make the F1 project as agile and removed from corporate processes as possible.”
“The link will only be necessary for marketing, design aspects, and sponsorship; otherwise, decisions should be made in Hinwil. That’s our priority.”
Audi was drawn to F1 due to the new 2026 engine regulations, which will increase the hybrid component’s power output to nearly 50%.
Binotto indicated that the design program for Audi’s engine is progressing well, though he expects it may not be fully competitive by the start of 2026.
“The program and facilities are robust, but we’re still on a learning curve,” Binotto explained. “Initially, I expect some gap to recover, but we will only understand our position once we hit the track.”
Are you excited to see how Audi’s F1 strategy unfolds over the coming years?
