The Sauber team is approaching a crucial period. In its current Stake F1 form, the Swiss racing stable is having another mediocre season, but from 2026, the transformation into an Audi factory team should turn the tide. The German car giant, with support from parent company Volkswagen and Qatari investors, is already developing its own power source for the Formula 1 team. However, technical leader Mattia Binotto warns that Audi does not want to aim too high.
Before 2026, Formula 1 will introduce new regulations to make the cars smaller and more agile. New engines will also be introduced. In an attempt to make the sport even more sustainable and attract new manufacturers at the same time, power will be evenly distributed between an internal combustion engine and a battery in the future. This promise of more electrification has worked – Audi, among others, has committed itself to the premier class through Sauber.
Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team boss and chief engineer at Audi/Sauber, warns of the complexity of the new power source. “Making engines is much more complicated than you can imagine as a fan,” he said in an interview with Autosport. “I know this all too well as an engineer. However, we are now entering something extremely advanced – this has never been done before. The starting point is always an engine, although the degree of difficulty will be much higher. The entire engine culture must change, and that will not be easy.”
‘We Will Not Have the Best Power Unit’
More hybrid technology has been causing issues for the teams, as has been evident over the past few months. This is precisely why there has been discussion about an early switch to atmospheric V10 engines. According to Binotto, Audi is also struggling to create a competitive package. “We are focused on ourselves,” said the Italian. “In 2026, we will not be at the top, we are well aware of that. We will not have the best power unit, but the path we have chosen is the right one – I have confidence in that.”
The upcoming rule change may also bring new forms of competition, predicts Binotto. Teams will have a say in the fuels they use – there are multiple sustainable alternatives available. In this area, Audi and Binotto may have an advantage; Volkswagen already has a large production site for synthetic fuels in Chile through Porsche. However, Binotto expects a lot from Audi’s rival Mercedes. According to rumors, the Silberpfeile (Silver Arrows) once again have the best prospects. “In 2014, we also switched to new hybrid technology,” concluded the Sauber team leader. “Mercedes made the difference then – it really became an engine championship. That situation could happen again.”
