On Wednesday, Audi unveiled the first impressions of its own F1 car. From 2026, the German automotive giant will take over the current Sauber team. The future Audi factory team will be led by veterans Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley. Both spoke enthusiastically about the project and the high ambitions of the brand-new racing stable. The goal is clear: by 2030, Audi wants to be able to compete for the world title.
In addition to the first images of the so-called ‘R26 Concept’, Audi also revealed its ambitious future plans. Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team boss and head of the project, is looking forward to the upcoming challenge. “Audi’s F1 project is the most exciting in motorsport – perhaps even in sport in general,” he said. “Our goal is clear: by 2030 we want to be fighting for championships. For this, we need not only time but also the right people and an innovative mindset. Of course, we will make mistakes, but the lessons we learn from them are precisely our driving force.”
Binotto presented a three-phase plan – a timeline for Audi’s first years in Formula 1. “We start as a challenger, with the ambition to grow,” he explained. “Then we want to work our way up to competitor, challenge the established order and achieve our first successes. Ultimately, of course, we want to become champions. Early next year, Audi’s first Formula 1 car will hit the track. That moment marks the beginning of something special: the first step on a long journey.”
‘Redefining a Racing Team’
Jonathan Wheatley, former sporting director of Red Bull and now team boss at Sauber, added: “This journey is not just about the destination, but also about the people who make every step possible. It’s about mentality, focus, resilience, and trust,” said Wheatley. “Championship teams are built by people who believe in each other – in the process and in the destination.”
“Our drivers, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabi (Bortoleto), embody that perfectly,” he continued. “They bring passion and enthusiasm and see every round as an opportunity to learn and grow. Our project is not just about building a team; it’s about shaping the future of Formula 1 – with talent, visionary partners, and the transformation of the Audi brand. We have the mindset to redefine what a racing team can be.”
