[Audi Prepares for Formula 1 Debut with Binotto’s Strategic Vision]

Mattia Binotto, the Chief Operating and Technical Officer at Audi’s upcoming Formula 1 team, has been on board for ten months. With the Swiss team set to transform into Audi in a matter of months, the German brand embarks on its first-ever F1 challenge. The road to success won’t be easy, given that the team hasn’t scored a podium since 2012 – over 250 grand prix ago.

[Navigating the Challenges Ahead]

Given the budget cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions, Binotto has decided to focus the team’s efforts on F1’s new 2026 technical rules. However, this doesn’t mean that 2025 is a lost year. As shown by Nico Hulkenberg’s opportunistic seventh-place finish in Australia, it’s essential to aim for growth and consistency in results.

Binotto envisions Audi as a title contender in five years – in other words, by 2030. While some teams announce lofty long-term goals, Sauber has been cautious since its late-2000s BMW era. Binotto insists this “shared objective with Audi” makes sense, giving the team enough time to lay the necessary foundation.

[Building a Winning Culture]

Blending Audi’s German culture with Sauber’s Swiss personality and diverse foreign workforce won’t be straightforward. Binotto acknowledges that it takes time to build and consolidate the team, focusing on staff and infrastructure as the key pillars.

Attracting top F1 talent has always been a challenge for the Hinwil-based squad. However, Binotto is optimistic about Switzerland’s quality of life and security, which he believes could become their competitive advantage. He emphasizes that concrete actions are needed to give credibility to the project.

[Expanding Infrastructure]

Audi has a great deal of work ahead to modernize its facilities, including constructing new buildings and increasing internal manufacturing capacity. The team is also planning to open a Sauber Centre of Technology UK in the coming weeks, aimed at attracting top talent from the English ‘motorsport valley’.

Meanwhile, back in Hinwil, Audi will need to modernize its facilities, with a new simulator also required. Binotto acknowledges that expanding the current site is not easy, so they will have to go a little outside the current perimeter.

[The Road Ahead]

Audi needs to achieve all of this while being the first engine manufacturer to join F1 since Honda’s struggle a decade ago – an area the brand expects not to be on top of initially. However, Binotto is adamant: Audi will have what it takes.