Audi sets ‘more realistic’ target for Formula 1 debut in 2026

Dollner was speaking at a media briefing at the Italian Grand Prix alongside Binotto, who said no decision had been taken on a second driver for 2025 to partner Nico Hulkenberg.

Binotto said Audi “cannot accept” Sauber’s current competitiveness – the team are last in the World Championship this year – and that it could not continue into next season.

“We cannot afford [two seasons at the back],” Binotto said. “This is the team and we need to progress. The position is not a comfortable one. It is very painful. We need to do continuous progress day by day.”

Dollner said Audi was determined to allow the F1 team to have the nimbleness to act outside of corporate structures.

“We are absolutely independent in handling this project,” Dollner said. “With the new set-up we also improved, to make the F1 project as fast and independent from any corporate process.

“Only when it comes to marketing and some design aspects – and of course sponsorship – we need the link, but otherwise the decisions have to be taken in Hinwil. That’s our first priority.”

Audi was attracted to F1 by the new 2026 engine rules, which increase the proportion of power output provided by the hybrid part of the engine to close to 50%.

Binotto said Audi’s design programme on its engine was going well, but he expected that the engine would not be fully competitive by the start of 2026.

“The programme and facilities are great but still there is a learning curve,” Binotto said. “I am expecting initially to have some gap to recover, but it will only be once we get on track we will understand where we are.”