Audi to Expand Hinwil Facility for New Simulator and Engineering Growth

Audi is preparing for its 2026 debut by upgrading its infrastructure, specifically targeting an expansion of the Hinwil site. Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto highlighted that while the Neuberg powertrain facility is ready, the Swiss base lacks the necessary space for a new simulator and expanded engineering operations.

Why it matters:

Modern F1 requires massive resources and in-house manufacturing to stay competitive within the cost cap. For Audi to transition from a customer team to a full works outfit, having state-of-the-art facilities for simulation and composite production is non-negotiable for closing the gap to top teams.

The details:

• Infrastructure Gap: Binotto noted that Neuberg is "up to scratch," but Hinwil is lagging. The facility, once state-of-the-art during the BMW era, is now too small for the current roster and incoming equipment.
• Simulator Installation: A brand new simulator has been ordered, but it requires a dedicated new building due to its size.
• Manufacturing Needs: The team must expand its manufacturing capacity to produce composites internally. This is crucial for speed, quality, and managing the budget cap effectively.
• Integration: Permanent conference-call facilities are being installed to bridge the gap between the Swiss chassis team and the German powertrain unit.

What's next:

Audi has set a five-year plan to become competitive, focusing initially on reliability. Binotto expressed confidence in the team's energy and resources, believing they have all the ingredients required for future success despite the historical difficulty of such transitions.