Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 will face formidable competition from established power unit giants Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, but the team is ready to endure early setbacks. Chief technical officer Mattia Binotto emphasized the need for humility and learning from reliability issues to aim for success by 2030. Recent testing in Barcelona highlighted initial technical gremlins.
Audi is set to join Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer in 2026, alongside Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Ford. The German automaker's chief technical and operating officer, Mattia Binotto, formerly of Ferrari, acknowledges the daunting legacy of rivals Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, who together have secured 576 grand prix victories—over half of the 1,149 world championship races—along with 35 drivers' titles and 34 constructors' championships.
Binotto expressed confidence in Audi's potential while tempering expectations for an immediate impact. "They've got the most experience, they are settled-down organisations and if a team or manufacturer was great in the past, they will remain great in the future, there is no doubt," he said. "They are very strong competitors, it will be a very difficult challenge for us, but on the other side, I think we've got all the means to become, one day, successful and becoming the benchmark powertrains as well."
During a pre-season shakedown test in Barcelona, Audi completed 240 laps, but encountered technical issues affecting drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Binotto views such 'gremlins' as part of the learning process. "I'm not expecting our powertrains to be the best at the start, that would be impossible and unrealistic, but I think we are on our journey and we need to stay focused on ourselves," he added.
The team's goal is to contend for world titles by 2030, a timeline Binotto describes as imminent in F1's fast-paced environment. "Our task to be successful by 2030 may be perceived as a long way away, but it is not, it is tomorrow and the day after and we are staying focused on ourselves and staying humble."
He stressed resilience in the face of challenges: "We may face problems during the season, we may face reliability failures, but what will count most for me is the team reacting properly, with no stone left unturned and learning from the problem and showing capacity in progressing. If we will be capable of progressing race-by-race, no doubt with the means we have got, with the full commitment of Audi as a brand, we may become as strong as the other, if not better."
