Binotto: Audi needs patience, 'doesn't intend to surprise' in 2026
Audi F1 project leader Mattia Binotto warns against expecting immediate success in 2026, stating the team is focused on long-term building and credibility, with championship goals set for 2030.
Mattia Binotto is tempering expectations for Audi's 2026 Formula 1 debut, emphasizing a long-term building phase over immediate competitiveness. The project leader insists the focus is on establishing credibility and a solid foundation, with championship ambitions set for the end of the decade, not the first season under new regulations.
Why it matters:
Audi's entry is one of the most anticipated developments in F1's new era, representing a major manufacturer's commitment. Binotto's candid management of expectations is crucial for setting a realistic timeline for success, avoiding the hype-and-crash cycle that can damage team morale and external perception. It signals a mature, strategic approach to the immense challenge of building a winning operation from the ground up.
The details:
- Building Phase: Binotto explicitly stated the team is still in a building phase and does not expect to have the best engine in 2026. The objective is a title challenge by 2030.
- Internal Credibility: He highlighted a significant positive shift in internal dynamics and credibility, driven by long-term Audi investments and stability after early management turnover.
- Steadying the Ship: Recent developments like a minority stake from the Qatar Investment Authority and Revolut joining as title sponsor have provided financial and operational stability.
- Realistic Benchmarking: Binotto downplayed comparisons with Red Bull's parallel power unit project, noting Audi's distinct manufacturing background and knowledge base as its long-term advantage.
The big picture:
The Sauber team, which Audi is transforming, has shown tangible progress on track, scoring 70 points in 2024—its best result in over a decade—including Nico Hülkenberg's podium at Silverstone. This on-track success is building belief, but Binotto's comments frame it as a step in a much longer journey. The upcoming livery launch in Berlin generates excitement, but the core message remains focused on sustained development rather than a quick fix.
What's next:
Patience is the operative word. While the 2026 car livery and team identity will be unveiled in January, the real work is happening behind the scenes on the 2026 power unit and chassis. Audi's strategy is a multi-year plan, with investments made today not expected to yield peak performance returns until 2029 or 2030. The immediate goal for 2026 is not to surprise the grid but to establish a reliable and credible platform from which to grow.