One of the main talking points from the 2026 season is the entry of Audi to F1. Back in 2022, Audi announced that they would enter the sport as a works team for Sauber Racing. The German manufacturer will also enter the sport as a power unit manufacturer in 2026. While there has been a lot of hype around this, Mattia Binotto, the team’s COO and CTO has warned fans that the power unit may not be very powerful in 2026.
When Audi first announced that they would enter the sport in 2026, it was supposed to be as a works team for Audi. However, earlier this year, Audi announced that they would have acquired 100% of Sauber Racing before 2026. From 2026, Audi will function as the team owner and the works team as well.
While Audi faces a more immediate problem with their driver lineup, Mattia Binotto is thinking ahead to the future. He is already analysing the potential of the 2026 Audi Powertrain.
Mattia Binotto claims Audi will not be competitive in 2026
Audi’s Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto has stated that Audi’s power unit will not be competitive in 2026.
“I think here as well, it’s a learning process. We are competing with other organisations where manufacturers are settled down,” Motorsportweek quotes him.
“Certainly, all the experience is pretty important and valid. So while I think the organisation there [at Audi] is great, the facilities are great, the programs are going ahead, still there is a learning curve, which needs to be done.
“So I’m expecting initially to have a gap to recover. How big it will be, I think that you can never know.”
🚨 BREAKING: Audi has strengthened its commitment to its F1 entry for 2026 by announcing it will acquire 100% of Sauber by 2026.
Andreas Seidl will be CEO and “the face of the future Audi Formula 1 Team.”#F1 pic.twitter.com/M2sVMB3jFd
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 8, 2024
Given that Audi’s competitors, Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, etc. have been in the sport for years, they will have an upper hand when it comes to engine development. Hence, Mattia is aware that the Volkswagen-owned brand will have an uphill task as they prepare to play catch-up.
However, there is still one advantage for Audi. The German manufacturers are sparing no expense in infrastructure and R&D. This means that the engineers will have the best technology available to build the best car.
Although the power unit may not be powerful in 2026, we can be sure that they will do everything necessary to develop and build a stronger engine for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
