Binotto: Audi's 'Specific Skills' Will Beat Red Bull in the Long Run

Mattia Binotto is placing his bets on Audi's deep-rooted engineering expertise to eventually give it an edge over Red Bull Powertrains, but he's firmly managing expectations for their debut season in 2026. The former Ferrari boss, now leading Sauber's transition to Audi, believes the German manufacturer's long-term knowledge will be the deciding factor, even if their first engine isn't an immediate front-runner.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent a massive technical reset in Formula 1, with the power unit battle set to define the next era of competition. Binotto's insider perspective provides a crucial look into the contrasting philosophies of the two major new engine projects: Red Bull's agile, in-house effort versus Audi's vast manufacturing resources and historical pedigree. The outcome of this long-term duel could shape the competitive hierarchy of F1 for years to come.

The details:

• Audi's Long-Term Advantage: Binotto emphasized that Audi possesses "more specific skills" and a deep "background of knowledge" that he believes "will certainly make the difference in the long term." This points to a strategy focused on sustainable, foundational development rather than a short-term gamble.
• Red Bull's Challenge: While Red Bull Powertrains has benefited from a head start and its partnership with Ford, Binotto's comments subtly question whether they can match the deep engineering culture of a legacy automotive giant like Audi over the long haul.
• Managing 2026 Expectations: Binotto was direct in tempering hype, stating, "I’m not expecting to have the best engine next year at all." He stressed the need for patience as Audi is still in its "building phase" and doesn't intend to be a "surprise" in its maiden year.
• The 2030 Horizon: The key takeaway is Audi's timeline. Binotto revealed their objectives are "set for 2030," indicating a multi-year project to build a championship-contending team from the ground up, with the 2026 car being just the first step.

What's next:

Audi's 2026 entry should be viewed as the beginning of a long-term project, not an instant assault on the podium. The real test will be how quickly they can translate their vast resources and engineering know-how into on-track performance. While Red Bull may have the initial advantage, Binotto's comments suggest the Audi-Sauber project is playing a different, more strategic game with its eyes firmly fixed on becoming a powerhouse by the end of the decade.