Audi reveals positive step with powertrain development for 2026

New Audi F1 CEO and CTO Mattia Binotto has revealed that the team has reached an important milestone in its Formula 1 journey when it comes to developing the 2026 powertrain. This update comes amid efforts restructuring of the German carmaker and the search for a new driver for the 2025 season, as it prepares to complete its takeover of the Sauber F1 team in 2026.

Audi enters Formula 1 at a time when the sport is entering a new era of regulation, where powertrains will rely on an equal split between electrical power and internal combustion. Determined to make a successful debut as a factory team, Audi is investing heavily to establish itself in the premier category of motorsport.

His recent efforts culminated in the hiring of former Ferrari team principal Binotto, which follows the signing of Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who is expected to take on the role of team principal at middle of next year. While Audi works on the new engine, Binotto provided an update on its progress. He told the media:

“I have visited Neuberg in recent days and weeks.

“The engine is progressing well, running on the bench, some long distances have already been covered so far.”

However, Binotto predicts that a performance gap will exist between Audi and other factory teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and Red Bull Powertrains in conjunction with Ford, given their seasoned existence in motorsport’s premier class which offered them wealth. of knowledge. He added:

“But I think it’s a learning process here too.

“We are in competition with other organizations where manufacturers are located. Certainly, the whole experience is quite important and worthwhile.

“While I think the organization there is great, the facilities are great, the programs are moving forward, but there’s still a learning curve that needs to be accomplished. So I initially expect to have a gap to fill. How big it will be, I think we can never know.

“Only when we are on the right track will we be able to understand. But we have more than a year until then.

“There is an intense program on the testbeds currently being developed and it will be our job to make sure we can deliver it, accelerating as much as possible, but trying to be as competitive as possible in early 2026.”

With just a few months and a year to go until Audi officially enters Formula 1, the brand is now looking to finalize its driver line-up for the 2025 season, with Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg already confirmed as one of the two drivers.