Audi Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has revealed the team’s championship targets as it heads into its full-time Formula 1 debut in 2026.
Sauber will complete its transition into a works Audi outfit at the start of next year.
The German automobile giant will enter the sport for the first time in its current guise – with its predecessor Auto Union having contested in F1 in the 1930s.
Wheatley, who played a crucial role in Red Bull’s championship glory as its Sporting Director, is leading the venture alongside ex-Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto.
Earlier this week, the team revealed its concept livery at a team event attended by the top brass as well as drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Speaking to Formula 1, Wheatley revealed the team’s targets for its formative years in the paddock and the plan moving ahead.
“[The Audi board have given us a] very realistic set of targets,” he revealed.
“They understand the journey we are on, they have been incredibly understanding of how long that may take, the stages along the way, the fact everything needs to be in place, get bigger then consolidate your position for a while, get bigger again and then consolidate.”
After a squalid couple of seasons at the very back of the field, Sauber has seen a sharp resurgence this season.
Hulkenberg’s career-first podium at the British Grand Prix, and strong performances from a rookie Bortoleto sees the team embroiled in an intense battle for P6 in the Constructors’ standings.
Wheatley hopes the team can build on this momentum and align itself with its championship ambitions in 2030.
“So, our target really is to keep building on this momentum, which we started this year,” he added.
“We need to carry that through – and that will make us championship challengers at the end of the decade.”
Binotto enjoying Audi’s 2026 challenge
The 2026 regulations reset will see sweeping changes on both the power unit and chassis side of things.
Audi will enter the sport, on a clean slate, but with a complete command over both aspects of its car.
Binotto, who has overseen the operations of a works outfit, with Ferrari, transitioning into a new technical era, is confident that the team is heading in the right direction.
While still erring on the side of caution, the Italian engineer revealed he was happy with the development on its 2026 concept so far.
“It’s looking great as a car,” he said.
“I am enjoying the new regulations, I’m enjoying the challenge from an engineering point of view.
“The entire team at Hinwil and Neuberg are excited, it’ll be very special for us in a few weeks’ time when we fire up the car – and then later on we will hit the track very soon. Next year, when we are in Melbourne, it’ll be a special moment for all of us. The dream is coming close.”
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